Tanzanian-Flagged Tanker Hijacked Off Yemen by Suspected Somali Pirates
8 reported5 unconfirmed
A Tanzanian-flagged tanker was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off Yemen’s coast, according to security sources and local officials familiar with the incident. The commercial tanker, identified as the MT ASANA, was seized on Friday after departing from Mukalla, Yemen, and has since been moved to waters off Somalia’s northeastern Bari region. The vessel is now being held off the coast of Caluula in the semiautonomous state of Puntland’s Bari region. Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said the ship was hijacked by seven armed Somali pirates. Public vessel-tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed the MT ASANA transmitting its position on Friday as it moved slowly in the Gulf of Aden, listing Bosaso, Somalia, as its destination, traveling at about 2 knots—an unusually slow speed consistent with earlier reports that it had transmitted a distress signal. It was not immediately clear how many crew members were aboard or whether anyone had been injured, and there was no immediate information on the nationality of the crew. Puntland authorities, the vessel’s owner or manager, and international naval forces have not publicly commented on the reported hijacking.
What’s reported
A Tanzanian-flagged tanker, the MT ASANA, was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off Yemen’s coast.
The hijacking occurred on Friday after the vessel departed from Mukalla, Yemen.
The tanker has been moved to waters off Somalia’s northeastern Bari region, near Caluula in Puntland.
Seven armed Somali pirates are suspected of carrying out the hijacking, according to anonymous sources.
Public vessel-tracking data showed the MT ASANA transmitting its position on Friday, moving slowly at about 2 knots in the Gulf of Aden, with Bosaso, Somalia, listed as its destination.
The vessel had transmitted a distress signal during the incident, according to earlier reports.
It is unclear how many crew members were aboard, whether anyone was injured, or the nationality of the crew.
Puntland authorities, the vessel’s owner or manager, and international naval forces have not issued public statements.
Open questions
The number of crew members aboard the MT ASANA.
Whether any crew members were injured.
The nationality of the crew.
The identity of the vessel’s owner or manager.
Whether Puntland authorities or international naval forces will respond.
Sources: abcnews.com
