Oil tanker hijacked off Yemen coast and taken toward Somalia

Saturday 02 May 2026 - 16:15

An oil tanker was hijacked on Saturday by armed individuals off the coast of Yemen and redirected toward Somalia, according to Yemeni coast guard authorities, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in a key global shipping corridor.

The vessel, identified as the tanker EUREKA, was seized near the coastal waters of the Yemeni province of Shabwah. Authorities reported that unidentified armed men boarded the ship, took control of it, and steered it toward the Gulf of Aden in the direction of Somalia.

Search and tracking operations have been launched to locate the vessel, with officials stating that efforts are underway to secure the ship and ensure the safety of its crew. However, no details have been released regarding the number or nationality of those on board.

According to maritime tracking data, the EUREKA is a Togo-flagged tanker transporting refined petroleum products. The incident occurred in a region that connects the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

The Yemeni coast guard operates under the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which controls only part of the country. Large areas remain under the control of the Houthi movement, which has previously carried out attacks on vessels in the region, particularly those linked to perceived Israeli interests.

Meanwhile, maritime security experts note that Somalia’s coastline has experienced renewed concerns over piracy activity. The Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden have historically been vulnerable to such incidents, although international naval patrols significantly reduced attacks in previous years.

Recent reports indicate that several vessels have been targeted again in the region, suggesting a possible resurgence of opportunistic armed groups exploiting instability on land and at sea.

Analysts warn that ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting nearby maritime chokepoints could further disrupt global shipping routes, forcing operators to reconsider alternative passages for oil and commercial transport.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations and recovery efforts remain underway.