COUNTRY, COAST — The Gulf of Aden witnessed yet another maritime security incident on July 17, 2026, when a chemical tanker was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates. This marks the second hijacking of a tanker in the region within a three-month span.
The tanker, identified as MT Astana, was sailing under a Tanzanian flag en route to the Somali port of Bosaso when it was boarded by unauthorised personnel, approximately 65 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen. Somali security officials confirmed that the attackers originated from the Puntland region, suggesting a resurgence in piracy activities.
The hijacking comes as the Gulf of Aden, which is lightly protected compared to the Indian Ocean, appears to be attracting pirate activity. This has raised concerns among maritime authorities and industry stakeholders regarding the safety of vessels transiting through this crucial shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The European Union’s Aspides naval mission, active in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, is currently engaged in providing assistance to the MT Astana and investigating the circumstances surrounding the hijacking. Details regarding the number of assailants, the status of the vessel, and the well-being of the crew remain unclear.
The incident underscores the persistent threat of piracy in the region, a concern that is likely to impact the tanker market and maritime operations in 2026.
As the global maritime industry navigates through challenges such as supply growth, geopolitical tensions, and demand uncertainty, the Gulf of Aden remains a high — risk area requiring enhanced security measures.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
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