Six armed individuals boarded a tanker in the Gulf of Aden, took control of the vessel and diverted it toward Somalia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.
UKMTO had earlier reported an incident approximately 136 nautical miles east of Mukalla, Yemen, involving a tanker traveling west through the Gulf of Aden.
According to the maritime security agency, the tanker reported being approached by an unauthorized vessel before the incident escalated.
UKMTO did not provide further information about the identities of those involved or the circumstances surrounding the takeover.
The agency also did not confirm whether the tanker remained under control of the armed group or provide details on the safety and whereabouts of the vessel’s crew.
The incident adds to ongoing maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Aden and waters surrounding Yemen, where commercial shipping has faced increased risks in recent years.
