A tanker has been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden and is being steered toward Somalia after being boarded by six armed individuals, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British government agency that monitors maritime security in the region.
UKMTO reported the incident via a social media update, stating the tanker was located 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, at the time of the attack, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
What Happened
According to Ship & Bunker’s coverage of the UKMTO update, the tanker was sailing on a westbound course when it was approached by an unauthorised vessel. UKMTO confirmed that six armed persons subsequently boarded the tanker and took control of it, redirecting the vessel toward Somalia.
“UKMTO has received confirmation that the tanker has been boarded by six armed persons who are now in control of the vessel and redirecting it to Somalia,” the agency said, as quoted by Ship & Bunker.
UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity directly to the agency, according to the same update.
No further details were provided regarding the identity of the tanker, its cargo, crew nationality, or the identity of the armed individuals involved in the boarding.
Does This Matter to You?
Incidents involving vessels being boarded and redirected in the Gulf of Aden corridor are relevant to those planning or managing transits through the region, including operators routing vessels near the Yemeni coast and Bab el-Mandeb approaches. UKMTO’s advisory for vessels to transit with caution and report suspicious activity is a direct operational signal for ships currently in or approaching the area.
Bunker traders and charterers with interests in vessels transiting this corridor may also want to monitor developments, given that hijackings and forced diversions can affect vessel schedules, insurance considerations, and voyage planning. The source material does not specify the tanker’s flag, ownership, or cargo, so the broader commercial impact remains unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker (via UKMTO)
