A Tanzanian-flagged commercial tanker, known as the MT ASANA, has been hijacked by a group of suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen. Security sources and local officials confirmed the incident occurred after the vessel departed from Mukalla, Yemen, on Friday.
According to reports from individuals familiar with the situation, the ship was seized by seven armed pirates. Public vessel-tracking data indicates that the tanker was moving through the Gulf of Aden on Friday at a significantly reduced speed of approximately 2 knots. This slow movement aligns with earlier reports suggesting the vessel transmitted a distress signal during the takeover. The ship had listed its destination as Bosaso, Somalia.
Local officials have stated that the vessel has since been relocated to waters off the coast of Caluula, situated in the Bari region of the semiautonomous state of Puntland. While the incident remains under scrutiny, details regarding the number of crew members on board, their nationalities, or their physical condition remain unknown at this time.
Authorities in Puntland have not yet issued a public statement regarding the hijacking. Similarly, there has been no immediate word from the ship's owner or management, and international naval forces operating in the area have not provided an update on the status of the vessel or its crew.
