Somali pirates have seized an oil tanker, identified as MT Eureka, off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, with the vessel reportedly being taken toward Somali waters, according to security officials.

The incident occurred in the early hours near the port of Qana, with Yemen’s coastguard confirming the hijacking around 05:00 local time. Puntland security authorities say the attackers likely launched from coastal areas near Qandala before intercepting the tanker.

This latest seizure marks the fourth successful hijacking in two weeks, raising fresh concerns over escalating maritime insecurity in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

The development comes amid a broader spike in attacks across the region. Earlier incidents in April included the hijacking of another oil tanker, Honor 25, carrying thousands of barrels of oil. Security reports also indicate attempted boardings of other commercial vessels in nearby waters.

Officials note that Somali piracy, which had significantly declined over the past decade due to international naval patrols, has resurged since late 2023. Analysts link the renewed activity to shifting naval focus toward Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, creating operational gaps along Somalia’s coastline.

Security agencies warn that armed groups are becoming increasingly active across multiple coastal zones, with officials describing the situation as more serious than widely reported. Efforts are ongoing to track the hijacked vessel and strengthen maritime security operations in the region.