Hijacked Oil Tanker MT Eureka Highlights Resurgence of Somali Piracy

On 2 May 2026 at about 05:00 local time, the Togolese-flagged oil tanker MT Eureka, carrying roughly 18,000 barrels of oil, was boarded by armed men off Yemen’s Shabwa province near the port of Qana. The assailants seized control, redirected the vessel into the Gulf of Aden, and steered it toward Somali waters. Pirates launched from a remote coastal area near Qandala in Puntland, Somalia.

Somali pirates seize oil tanker off the coast of YemenSomali pirates seize oil tanker in Gulf of Aden as maritime security worsensBBC NewsTimes of IsraelOil Tanker Hijacked off Yemen Coast, Diverted Toward SomaliaOil tanker hijacked off coast of Yemen ,taken towards SomaliaNew York TimesAl Jazeera (website)

Piracy off Somalia, virtually eliminated after 2014, has re-emerged since late 2023. In the past two weeks four vessels—including the tanker Honor 25 (18,500 barrels) on 22 April—have been hijacked. Somalia’s 3,333-km coastline provides ample launch points for skiffs. Analysts link the surge to the US-Israel-Iran war, which has drawn naval patrols to counter Houthi attacks, creating a “window of opportunity” for pirate groups. The MT Eureka seizure threatens the Red Sea–Indian Ocean corridor, potentially raising shipping costs and delaying oil deliveries.

Al Jazeera (website)

The Yemen Coast Guard said it had located the tanker, was monitoring its movements, and was preparing measures to recover the ship and protect the crew. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) raised the piracy threat level along the Somali coast to “substantial” and advised vessels to transit with caution. The European Union naval force (EUNAVFOR) warned that the Iran war has opened a “window of opportunity” for piracy.

Al Jazeera (website)Oil tanker hijacked off Yemen, is being brought back to SomaliaOil Tanker Hijacked off Yemen Coast, Diverted Toward SomaliaTimes of IsraelSomali pirates seize oil tanker in Gulf of Aden as maritime security worsensNew York TimesBBC NewsSomali pirates seize oil tanker off the coast of Yemen

Security analysts in Puntland argue that redeploying anti-piracy assets to counter Houthi attacks leaves Somali waters under-protected. Three Puntland officials told the BBC that pirates departed from near Qandala and that the MT Eureka was expected to anchor in Somali waters within hours. No group has claimed responsibility; Somali officials label the attackers as pirates, while a Yemeni source suggested possible Houthi links, a claim under investigation.

BBC NewsSomali pirates seize oil tanker in Gulf of Aden as maritime security worsensNew York TimesSomali pirates seize oil tanker off the coast of YemenOil Tanker Hijacked off Yemen Coast, Diverted Toward SomaliaOil tanker hijacked off Yemen, is being brought back to SomaliaAl Jazeera (website)

• “The location of the tanker has been determined, and work is underway to monitor it and take the necessary measures in an attempt to recover it and ensure the safety of its crew,” — Yemen Coast Guard

Times of Israel

• “The European Union’s naval forces patrolling the region said that the Iran war has given piracy groups a “window of opportunity”.” — EU naval forces (EUNAVFOR) spokesperson

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The on-going crisis with the pirates is much worse than many realize. There are increasing movements (of armed groups) all over the coast” — Puntland security official, quoted to BBC

Somali pirates seize oil tanker in Gulf of Aden as maritime security worsens

• “The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the piracy threat level along the Somali coast to “substantial” and warned vessels to “transit with caution”.” — UKMTO statement

Al Jazeera (website)

International naval coalitions are tracking the MT Eureka’s trajectory and preparing possible interception. The UKMTO and EU forces have signaled heightened patrols, while Yemen’s Coast Guard continues coordination with regional partners to locate and secure the crew.

Times of Israel