A Gulf of Aden pirate attack unfolded on 1 July, when an armed group boarded a merchant tanker. Shortly afterwards, the same group was reported chasing a second commercial ship in the same area.
According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), the first incident occurred approximately 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, and 110 nautical miles northeast of Bosaso, Somalia.
The unnamed tanker reported being approached by a small skiff carrying four heavily armed men, including individuals equipped with rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers. After the skiff caught up with the vessel, the crew stopped the ship, retreated to the citadel and sent a distress call while awaiting assistance.
After some time, the crew briefly left the citadel to inspect the vessel and found that the pirates had already fled. However, boarding ladders remained attached to the ship’s hull, prompting the crew to return to the citadel until help arrived.
Initial reports indicate that four pirates successfully boarded the tanker. During the inspection, the crew discovered damage to the bridge and several adjacent compartments, although no injuries among the crew were reported.
A short time later, another merchant vessel reported being pursued by four heavily armed men in a skiff. MSCIO assessed that it was likely the same pirate group, based on the location and timing of the incidents.
The second vessel managed to evade the attackers, forcing the skiff to abandon the pursuit. However, maritime security authorities warned that the pirate group appeared to remain in the area and could continue searching for additional targets.
The latest attacks come as piracy activity off Somalia continues to increase. Three merchant vessels captured in separate attacks during late April and early May remain under the control of Somali pirate groups. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has stepped up efforts to secure the release of Egyptian seafarers being held aboard one of the hijacked ships.
