Tanzanian-flagged tanker hijacked by pirates in Gulf of Aden

A Tanzanian-flagged tanker has been hijacked by suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and security officials from Somalia’s Puntland region.

The vessel, identified by Puntland officials as the MT Asana, was sailing from Karachi, Pakistan, to Bosaso in Puntland when it was boarded by seven armed men, according to the officials. UKMTO said an unidentified vessel had been boarded by unauthorised personnel and advised ships in the area to transit with caution, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The incident occurred off Yemen’s coast, with reports placing the hijacking at between 26 and 65 nautical miles offshore.

Yemeni authorities are coordinating with international partners on a response.

The hijacking is the second reported seizure of a vessel off Yemen since May, when the MT Eureka was captured near the port of Qana. Several other attempted attacks have also been reported in recent months, raising concerns over a resurgence of Somali piracy in the region.

By Sabina Mammadli