Image Credentials: Image Title: Oil Tanker Hijacked off Yemen Coast, Taken Toward Somalia Amid Piracy Surge Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
An oil tanker has been hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, highlighting a growing resurgence of maritime insecurity in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
The vessel, identified as the MT Eureka and sailing under the flag of Togo, was seized early in the morning near the Yemeni coast. According to regional security officials, the attack took place close to the port of Qana in Yemen.
The tanker is now believed to be heading toward Somalia, with expectations that it may anchor in Somali waters within hours. The attackers reportedly launched their operation from the coast near Qandala in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
This incident marks the second hijacking of an oil tanker in less than two weeks, following the seizure of another vessel, the Honor 25, on April 22. That tanker was carrying thousands of barrels of oil destined for Mogadishu.
Security officials warn that piracy is rapidly expanding along Somalia’s coastline, which stretches more than 3,300 kilometers and is the longest on mainland Africa. In the past two weeks alone, at least four successful hijackings have been reported.
A separate maritime alert issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations described another incident near Al-Mukala, where armed individuals approached a commercial vessel before retreating. Authorities believe these attackers also originated from coastal near Caluula.
The renewed wave of piracy comes after years of relative decline since 2011, when international naval patrols significantly reduced attacks. However, security dynamics have shifted in recent months.
Naval resources have been increasingly diverted to address threats posed by Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, creating gaps in maritime surveillance that pirate groups appear to be exploiting.
Despite the escalation, neither the Somali authorities nor the European Union Naval Force has yet issued official statements on the latest hijacking.
Regional officials warn that the situation may worsen if coordinated international efforts are not reinforced. The Gulf of Aden remains a vital artery for global trade, and continued instability could have broader implications for shipping security and energy supply routes.