A tanker sailing in the Gulf of Aden encountered a suspicious approach, prompting the vessel’s security team to fire warning shots. The incident is believed to possibly be linked to Somali piracy activity.
The event occurred on May 22 approximately 98 nautical miles from Yemen’s Socotra Island. While underway, the tanker was approached at high speed by a small boat carrying five people.
According to reports, the tanker’s armed security personnel assessed the situation as a potential threat and fired warning shots. The small craft then altered course and moved away from the area.
The European Union Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean stated that this was the third similar incident reported in the region within the past week. Authorities also noted that three vessels — “MT Honour 25,” “Sward,” and “Eureka” — are currently believed to remain under the control of pirate groups off the Somali coast.
According to the centre, pirates are demanding a ransom of 3 million US dollars for the release of the tanker “Eureka.”
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has emphasized that the threat of piracy remains high along the Somali coast and in the Somali Basin. The agency advised vessels transiting the region to maintain a distance of at least 150 nautical miles from shore and to strengthen onboard security measures.
