A chemical and oil products tanker, MT ASANA, has been hijacked by unauthorized individuals while sailing east in the Gulf of Aden, with initial indications suggesting a ransom demand. The incident was reported by the Regional Information Sharing Center in Aden, affiliated with the General Authority of Maritime Affairs. Ship tracking systems detected a sudden change in the tanker's course following the attack, with the vessel heading towards the Somali coast, specifically near the port of Bosaso in the Puntland region. The tanker, which sails under the Tanzanian flag and has the IMO number 9035838, was attacked approximately 65 nautical miles south of the city of Mukalla as it transited the international shipping lane. The boarding occurred after armed individuals, suspected of belonging to maritime piracy groups, ascended the vessel. The tanker issued a distress call immediately after the attack. It was noted that the vessel was not carrying an armed security team at the time of the incident, which may have facilitated the attack in an area classified as high-risk. The tanker remains under the control of the armed individuals. Regional and international efforts are currently underway through specialized maritime and intelligence channels to ascertain the condition of the crew members and ensure their safety. |
