MT Eureka Hijacked by Pirates in Gulf of Aden
The oil tanker MT Eureka was hijacked early this morning by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, near the Yemeni port of Qana. The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 AM local time (03:00 BST), according to reports from the Yemeni coastguard and security officials in the Puntland region of Somalia. The vessel, which was sailing under the flag of Togo, is now believed to be heading towards Somali waters. This marks the second hijacking of an oil tanker in the region within just ten days, following the seizure of the Honor 25 on April 22, which was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil destined for Mogadishu.
The pirates reportedly launched their attack from a remote coastal area near Qandala, a town situated along the Gulf of Aden. This recent surge in piracy highlights a troubling trend, as it marks the fourth successful hijacking in just two weeks. The situation has raised concerns among maritime security officials, particularly as Somali piracy had been on the decline since 2011. However, a resurgence has been noted since late 2023, coinciding with increased attacks on shipping by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Rising Threat of Piracy Along Somali Coastline
In a separate incident reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Transportation Operation (UKMTO), armed individuals approached a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala, Yemen. These armed persons are believed to have also departed from a coastal area near the fishing town of Caluula, which is approximately 209 kilometers (130 miles) from where the MT Eureka was hijacked. The recent incidents suggest a troubling expansion of piracy along Somalia’s extensive coastline, which stretches 3,333 kilometers (2,071 miles), making it the longest in mainland Africa.
The resurgence of piracy can be attributed to a security vacuum created by international naval forces focusing on the Houthi threat. As these forces divert their attention, armed groups along the Somali coast have seized the opportunity to increase their activities. A security official from Puntland expressed concern over the escalating situation, stating, “The ongoing crisis with the pirates is much worse than many realize. There are increasing movements of armed groups all over the coast.”
Despite the alarming rise in piracy, Somali authorities and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), which oversees anti-piracy operations in the region, have yet to respond to the latest hijacking of the MT Eureka. As the situation develops, maritime security remains a pressing concern for shipping routes in and around the Gulf of Aden.
