Mogadishu – Suspected Somali pirates attempted to attack an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, but private security guards on board fired warning shots, forcing the assailants to retreat.
The security company responsible for the vessel reported the incident to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). According to the report, the tanker was sailing approximately 98 nautical miles from the Yemeni-administered island of Socotra when a small skiff carrying five people approached it aggressively.
Heavily armed guards on the tanker fired warning shots, prompting the small boat to swiftly change course and move away from the vessel.
The European Union’s Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) confirmed that this marks the third piracy-related incident linked to Somali networks within a single week.
On May 18, a skiff-type vessel was spotted near the coastal city of Bosaso and reported to the EU’s anti-piracy operation, Atalanta. Authorities suspect it was scouting for commercial ships to hijack.
Meanwhile, three vessels remain captive off the Somali coast. The oil tanker MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21, the cargo vessel Sward on April 26, and the Eureka on May 2. Reports indicate that pirates are demanding a ransom of three million dollars for the release of the Eureka.
The UKMTO has warned that the threat of piracy remains high off the Somali coast and within the so-called Somalia Basin. The MSCIO specifically highlighted northern Somalia—particularly the Puntland region and the Gulf of Aden—as the highest-risk area.
Vessels transiting the region are advised to stay at least 150 nautical miles from the Somali coast or avoid the area altogether if possible.
