| Security Alert |
| Reported Illegal Boarding of a Tanker in the Gulf of Aden |
| Νο 26/18 |
| Issue Date: 17 July 2026 |
Alert Summary:
At 06:20 UTC on 17 July 2026, a report was received via VHF that a westbound tanker had been boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, at position 13°36.5’N, 048°34.6’E.
The incident occurred north of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), approximately 60 nautical miles south-southwest of Mukalla, Yemen.
Available information confirms that pirates boarded the vessel. A Republic of Korea Navy warship is approaching the incident location to provide assistance. The number of perpetrators, their weapons and intentions, and the condition of the crew remain unconfirmed.
Key Points:
• Time and position: The incident was reported at 06:20 UTC, at 13°36.5’N, 048°34.6’E.
• Area: Gulf of Aden, north of the IRTC and approximately 60 nautical miles SSW of Mukalla, Yemen.
• Vessel type and movement: A tanker proceeding westbound.
• Incident type: Pirate boarding, initially reported via VHF.
• Naval response: A Republic of Korea Navy warship is approaching to provide assistance.
• Perpetrators: The number of pirates, weapons carried, boarding method and intentions remain unknown.
• Crew status: No confirmed information is currently available regarding the safety or location of the crew.
• Current status: The incident remains active, and it is not yet confirmed whether the pirates remain aboard or whether naval forces have established contact with the vessel.
Recommendations:
Primary shipboard safety measures
Vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden, particularly those transiting westbound north of the IRTC, should maintain maximum safe speed, avoid unnecessary stopping or drifting and apply Best Management Practices Maritime Security 2025, including enhanced lookout, physical barriers, secured access points and continuous 360-degree monitoring.
Reporting requirements and channels
Immediately report suspicious craft, unusual VHF communications or security incidents through established maritime-security channels and to the Company Security Officer. Provide position, course, speed, craft description, number of persons observed and any weapons or boarding equipment identified.
Additional security measures and drills
Confirm the readiness of the citadel, alarms, propulsion, steering, communications and emergency procedures. Restrict non-essential personnel from exposed decks and brief the crew on suspicious-approach and pirate-boarding procedures.
Communications and coordination guidance
Maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16, monitor relevant naval communications and ensure satellite communications remain available. Preserve AIS, radar, VDR, photographs and communications records relevant to the incident.
Any further general guidance
Treat any unidentified small craft approaching persistently or at speed as a potential piracy threat. Vessels approaching the reported position should exercise heightened vigilance, maintain safe separation from the incident area and comply with instructions issued by naval forces or maritime-security authorities.
