Pirates board tanker in Gulf of Aden

July 21 ------ A westbound tanker was boarded by suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden last 17 July, prompting a response from the Republic of Korea Navy.

Asurge in attempted attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden in recent weeks has heightened security concerns across the region, compounding risks already facing the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The escalating threat is raising fresh alarm over the safety of critical maritime trade routes. According to Diaplous, the incident occurred at approximately 06:20 UTC at position 13°36.5’N, 048°34.6’E, around 60 nautical miles south-southwest of Mukalla, Yemen, and north of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). The initial alert was transmitted via VHF.

Available information confirms that pirates successfully boarded the vessel. However, the number of attackers, whether they are armed, the method of boarding and their intentions remain unknown. Furthermore, a Republic of Korea Navy warship has been dispatched to the scene and is approaching the vessel to provide assistance.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the condition or whereabouts of the crew, nor whether the pirates remain on board. The incident remains ongoing as naval forces continue to assess the situation.

The attack comes amid reports that Iran has instructed the Houthis to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait once again, a move that could disrupt shipping through one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints and deter vessels that had begun returning to the shorter Suez Canal route between Asia and Europe.

Source: safety4sea.com