A Tanzanian-flagged tanker was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen, according to security sources and local officials. The commercial vessel, identified as the MT ASANA, was seized on Friday after departing from Mukalla, Yemen.
The general tanker has since been moved to waters off Somalia’s northeastern Bari region, specifically near Caluula in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland. Sources indicated that seven armed Somali pirates were responsible for the hijacking. The pirates were not authorized to discuss the incident publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Public vessel-tracking data showed the MT ASANA moving slowly in the Gulf of Aden on Friday, with Bosaso, Somalia, listed as its destination. The vessel was traveling at approximately 2 knots, a speed consistent with earlier reports of a distress signal being transmitted during the incident.
Details regarding the number of crew members aboard the tanker and whether any injuries occurred remain unclear. The nationality of the crew has not been immediately disclosed. Puntland authorities have not yet commented on the reported hijacking, and there has been no immediate statement from the vessel's owner or manager. International naval forces operating in the region have also not issued a public update.
This incident marks a resurgence of pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean, following a period of relative quiet. Maritime security analysts have previously warned that ongoing maritime insecurity and a reduction in international naval patrols could contribute to a renewed threat from pirates.