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Second Hijacking: Togolese Tanker Eureka Seized Near Yemen

5/3/2026

Center

Eureka Hijacked

The Togolese-flagged oil tanker M/T Eureka left Fujairah, UAE, eight days earlier and anchored near Al Mukallah two days before its seizure.
Yemeni coast guard reports unidentified attackers hijacked the Eureka off Shabwa coast and are steering it toward Somali waters.
This is the second tanker hijacking in ten days, after pirates seized Honor 25 on April 22.
The UK Maritime Transportation Operation reported an armed skiff approaching a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala.

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Eureka Hijacked

Pirates have grown bolder as naval patrols focus on the Strait of Hormuz conflict, leaving Gulf of Aden less protected.
Yemen’s Coast Guard reported the oil tanker M/T Eureka was seized off Shabwa province and steered toward Somalia.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations raised piracy threat level along Somali coast to “substantial.”
European Union naval forces said the Iran war gave piracy groups a “window of opportunity.”

History

Historical Context

Piracy off Somalia exploded in 2008, when 111 attacks—including 42 successful hijackings—prompted UN Security Council resolution 1838 and the launch of multinational patrols such as EU Operation Atalanta and Combined Task Force 150. After a steep decline by 2011, a 2024 resurgence saw the Togolese-flagged M/T Eureka seized, echoing earlier hijackings and underscoring the need for sustained naval presence.

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Eureka Hijacked

The Togolese-flagged oil tanker M/T Eureka left Fujairah, UAE, eight days earlier and anchored near Al Mukallah two days before its seizure.
Yemeni coast guard reports unidentified attackers hijacked the Eureka off Shabwa coast and are steering it toward Somali waters.
This is the second tanker hijacking in ten days, after pirates seized Honor 25 on April 22.
The UK Maritime Transportation Operation reported an armed skiff approaching a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala.

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