ALERT 41/26 MSCIO has received a report of a possible hijacking involving a merchant tanker at approximately 05:00 UTC on 02 May 2026 in position 13°49’N 048°28’E while at anchorage off Qana Port, Shabwa, Yemen. Armed individuals reportedly boarded the vessel and took control.
The vessel is currently assessed to be underway, possibly proceeding towards the Gulf of Aden and in the direction of the Somali coast. Operation ATALANTA is investigating. Yemen Coast Guard units have been deployed to locate the vessel.
Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any sightings or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE01: Operation ATALANTA assets have confirmed the hijacking of tanker vessel EUREKA (IMO: 1022823), currently located at position 09°50’N 050°54’E. The incident remains ongoing and is being closely monitored by ATALANTA forces in coordination with regional partners.
Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE02: Operation ATALANTA continues to monitor the situations involving hijacked tanker EUREKA (IMO: 1022823), hijacked merchant vessel SWARD (IMO: 9174244), and hijacked tanker HONOUR 25 (IMO: 1099735). All three incidents remain ongoing, and the vessels are currently assessed to remain under pirate control.
Operation ATALANTA continues to maintain situational awareness and monitor the incidents through its assets. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO.
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