Oil Tanker hijacked off Yemen Coast, heading towards Somali waters

An oil tanker has been hijacked off the coast of Yemen, raising new concerns over maritime security in the region. According to reports, the tanker identified as M/T EUREKA was seized by unidentified armed men near the coast of Shabwa province on May 2, 2026.

Authorities said the armed group boarded the vessel, took control, and redirected it towards the Gulf of Aden, moving in the direction of Somali waters. The incident has triggered monitoring efforts from Yemen’s coast guard, which confirmed that the tanker’s position has already been identified.

Efforts are now ongoing to track the vessel and respond to the situation, with a focus on securing the safety of the crew onboard. However, no full details have yet been released regarding the number of crew members or their current condition.

This hijacking comes at a time when maritime security in the region remains unstable. Recent incidents in nearby waters, particularly off the Somali coast, have shown signs of renewed piracy activity. Reports indicate that multiple vessels have been targeted in recent days, raising concerns among shipping operators and maritime authorities.

The area near the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa is a key route for global shipping, especially for oil and cargo vessels transiting between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Any disruption in this route can affect vessel safety and operational planning.