Pirates Hijack Tanzanian Tanker Off Yemen – 2nd Attack in 3 Months

A Tanzanian‑flagged tanker, the MT Astana, was boarded by Somali pirates 65 nautical miles off Yemen’s coast, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UK‑MTO) and Puntland authorities.

This is the second hijack of a vessel off Yemen since May, when the MT Eureka was seized near Qana. Only a few ships have been attacked in the Indian Ocean this year.

The attackers – a crew of seven – travelled from Puntland’s Garacad port to the Gulf of Aden, taking control of the tanker as it sailed east.

The Gulf of Aden is less guarded than the Indian Ocean, where the EU’s Naval Force patrols. That lighter protection may be why piracy is resurfacing.

U.S., UK and other navies have kept a presence since a 3‑year‑old joint operation reduced piracy. But recent incidents suggest the problem is not fully under control.

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