Pirates Hijack Tanker and Take It Toward Somali Coast

Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked the Tanzanian-flagged chemical tanker *Asana *off the coast of Yemen and are believed to have taken the vessel toward northeastern Somalia.

According to the Yemeni Coast Guard and regional maritime security sources, the 1992-built tanker was seized on Friday shortly after departing Mukalla. Reports indicate that seven armed pirates boarded the vessel before taking control.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially reported that unauthorized individuals had boarded a merchant ship approximately 65 nautical miles south of Mukalla. The Yemeni Coast Guard later said the attack occurred around 26 nautical miles off Yemen’s Hadramout province.

Maritime security firm Ambrey said the *Asana *transmitted a distress signal during the incident and confirmed that the vessel was not carrying an armed security team. A South Korean naval ship was dispatched to the area, although no details have been released regarding any response or intervention.

Tracking data later showed the tanker moving slowly across the Gulf of Aden at around two knots while broadcasting Bosaso as its intended destination. On Sunday, local officials reported that the vessel had reached waters off Caluula in Puntland’s Bari region, indicating that the pirates had completed the crossing from Yemen to Somalia.

The number of crew members on board, along with their nationalities, has not been confirmed, and there are no verified reports of any injuries. Puntland authorities, as well as the vessel’s owner and manager, have not yet issued public statements.