| Security Alert |
| Gulf of Aden hijack incident east of Al Mukalla, Yemen |
| Νο 26/19 |
| Issue Date: 20 Aug 2026 |
Alert Summary:
A tanker transiting westbound in the Gulf of Aden has reportedly been hijacked approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The vessel had initially broadcast a distress call on VHF 16, reporting an approach by an unauthorized vessel.
Latest available information indicates that the tanker was boarded by 6 armed persons, who are now reportedly in control of the vessel and redirecting it towards Somalia. The condition of the crew, the perpetrators’ intentions, and the current onboard situation remain unconfirmed.
Key Points:
• Area: Gulf of Aden, approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen.
• Vessel type and movement: Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker.
• Incident type: Hijack following an unauthorized approach.
• Perpetrators: 6 armed persons reportedly boarded and took control of the vessel.
• Current status: The vessel is reportedly being redirected towards Somalia.
• Crew status: No confirmed information is currently available regarding the safety, location, or condition of the crew.
• Operational impact: The incident represents a serious piracy-related threat and reinforces the need for heightened vigilance across the Gulf of Aden, particularly for slow-moving or vulnerable vessels.
Recommendations:
Primary shipboard safety measures
Vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden should maintain maximum safe speed, avoid unnecessary stopping or drifting, and fully apply BMP MS 2025 measures, including enhanced lookout, secured access points, physical barriers, and continuous 360-degree monitoring.
Reporting requirements and channels
Immediately report suspicious craft, unusual VHF communications, attempted approaches, or security incidents through established maritime-security channels and to the “Company Security Officer”. Reports should include position, course, speed, craft description, number of persons observed, weapons, ladders, boarding equipment, and any suspicious communications.
Additional security measures and drills
Confirm the readiness of the citadel, alarms, propulsion, steering, communications, emergency power, and internal response procedures. Restrict non-essential personnel from exposed decks and brief the crew on suspicious-approach, attempted-boarding, and pirate-boarding procedures.
Communications and coordination guidance
Maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16, monitor relevant maritime-security broadcasts, and ensure satellite communications remain available. Preserve AIS, radar, voyage data recorder (VDR), photographs, and communications records where safe and operationally possible.
General guidance
Treat any unidentified small craft approaching persistently or at speed as a potential piracy threat. Vessels approaching the reported area should exercise heightened vigilance, maintain safe separation from the incident location, avoid unnecessary route deviations towards the Somali coast, and comply with instructions issued by naval forces or maritime-security authorities.
