A tanker, the MT Astana, sailing under a Tanzanian flag, has been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, according to information from a UK maritime safety organisation (UKMTO) and Somali security officials. The incident, which occurred on Friday, 17 July 2026, saw the vessel boarded by unauthorised personnel as it travelled east, prompting the UKMTO to issue an advisory for other ships to exercise caution in the region.
Officials from Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region have identified the attackers as Somali pirates. This marks the second time a vessel has been seized off the coast of Yemen in the past three months, following the hijacking of the MT Eureka near the port of Qana in May. Additionally, two other ships were boarded by pirates in the Indian Ocean in April, alongside several other unsuccessful attempts, indicating a concerning resurgence of piracy in an area once notorious for such incidents.
For approximately three years prior to these recent events, maritime piracy in this region had significantly diminished, largely due to a coordinated international security operation involving multiple navies. However, the latest incidents suggest that this relative calm may be coming to an end. Puntland security officials, speaking to the BBC, confirmed the hijacked vessel as the MT Astana and stated it was seized by seven gunmen who had originated from a remote area near the Puntland port town of Garacad, before making their way into the Gulf of Aden.
The MT Astana was reportedly en route to the port of Bosaso in Puntland when it was boarded approximately 65 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen. A key factor in this resurgence, according to Puntland officials, may be the differing levels of maritime security in the region. While the Indian Ocean benefits from heavy patrols by the European Union Naval Force, which oversees anti-piracy operations in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden is understood to be more lightly protected, potentially making it an attractive target for pirate groups.
The UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), regularly updates its travel advice for the region, cautioning against all travel to certain areas off the coast of Yemen due to the ongoing risk of piracy and conflict. British nationals working in maritime industries or travelling through these waters are strongly advised to adhere to established security protocols and stay informed of the latest intelligence. The implications for international shipping, including potential increases in insurance premiums and re-routing of vessels, could have a knock-on effect on global supply chains, though the immediate impact on UK trade remains to be fully assessed.