A tanker transiting westbound in the Gulf of Aden has reportedly been hijacked on 20 August, approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, highlighting a renewed crisis in waters off Somalia.
The vessel reportedly issued a distress call on VHF Channel 16 after being approached by an unauthorized vessel. six-armed individuals subsequently boarded the tanker and are believed to have taken control of the vessel, directing it towards Somalia.
The status of the crew remains unclear, while the identities and intentions of the alleged perpetrators have not been confirmed. Details of the situation onboard are also still emerging.
The reported hijacking comes amid signs of a resurgence in piracy activity off Somalia, with attacks and other security incidents increasing after a period of relative decline. In the first seven months of 2026, 13 piracy-related incidents have reportedly been recorded in the region.
Although activity remains significantly below the levels seen during the peak of the Somali piracy crisis between 2009 and 2011, when more than 200 attacks were recorded annually, the latest incidents point to a renewed maritime security threat in the region.
The reported attack adds to growing concerns for commercial shipping transiting the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime corridor connecting the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The evolving tactics of pirate groups, combined with wider regional security risks, are placing renewed pressure on shipowners and operators to maintain heightened vigilance.
It is the second such incident reported in the region this week. On 17 August 2026, a cargo vessel was reportedly boarded and taken under control by eight-armed, unauthorised individuals approximately four nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia.
Key points:
- Area: Gulf of Aden, approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen.
- Vessel type and movement: Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker.
- Incident type: Hijack following an unauthorized approach.
- Perpetrators: 6-armed persons reportedly boarded and took control of the vessel.
- Current status: The vessel is reportedly being redirected towards Somalia.
- Crew status: No confirmed information is currently available regarding the safety, location, or condition of the crew.
- Operational impact: The incident represents a serious piracy-related threat and reinforces the need for heightened vigilance across the Gulf of Aden, particularly for slow-moving or vulnerable vessels.
Recommendations:
Primary shipboard safety measures
Vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden should maintain maximum safe speed, avoid unnecessary stopping or drifting, and fully apply BMP MS 2025 measures, including enhanced lookout, secured access points, physical barriers, and continuous 360-degree monitoring.
Reporting requirements and channels
Immediately report suspicious craft, unusual VHF communications, attempted approaches, or security incidents through established maritime-security channels and to the “Company Security Officer”. Reports should include position, course, speed, craft description, number of persons observed, weapons, ladders, boarding equipment, and any suspicious communications.
Additional security measures and drills
Confirm the readiness of the citadel, alarms, propulsion, steering, communications, emergency power, and internal response procedures. Restrict non-essential personnel from exposed decks and brief the crew on suspicious-approach, attempted-boarding, and pirate-boarding procedures.
Communications and coordination guidance
Maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16, monitor relevant maritime-security broadcasts, and ensure satellite communications remain available. Preserve AIS, radar, voyage data recorder (VDR), photographs, and communications records were safe and operationally possible.
The treat to any unidentified small craft approaching persistently or at speed as a potential piracy threat.
Vessels approaching the reported area should exercise heightened vigilance, maintain safe separation from the incident location, avoid unnecessary route deviations towards the Somali coast, and comply with instructions issued by naval forces or maritime-security authorities.