Suspected Somali pirates boarded the chemical tanker MV Asana in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, highlighting the recent rise in pirate attacks on merchant ships in the region.
The Tanzania-flagged, 10,960-dwt tanker, built in 1992, was sailing about 65 nautical miles south of Al Mukalla and was reportedly bound for Bosaso, Somalia. The 127-metre vessel sent a distress call before armed men boarded it on Friday. Security sources believe up to seven pirates were involved, although authorities have not confirmed the number.
British maritime security company Ambrey said the attack appeared to be an act of Somali piracy rather than one linked to regional militant groups. The tanker was reportedly sailing without an armed security team.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) classified the incident as a hijack. According to military authorities, the vessel has been moved into Somalian territorial waters.
A South Korean naval vessel and the EU naval mission EUNAVFOR ASPIDES responded to the incident and continue to monitor the situation. Authorities have not confirmed the condition of the crew.
The attack is the latest in a series of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden. Since April, several merchant ships have been attacked or hijacked, and at least three vessels remain under pirate control while ransom negotiations continue.
