Pirates have seized an oil tanker carrying 17 crew members off the coast of Somalia, raising fresh concerns about the resurgence of maritime attacks in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes.
The vessel, identified as Honour 25, was reportedly overpowered late Wednesday by six armed men while sailing about 30 nautical miles from shore. Security sources say the attackers have since been reinforced, with additional gunmen boarding the tanker after the initial hijacking.
At the time of the incident, the ship was transporting approximately 18,500 barrels of oil and heading towards Mogadishu. The crew onboard includes nationals from Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
The tanker is now believed to be anchored near Somalia’s northeastern coastline, between the towns of Xaafun and Bander Beyla, areas known for past pirate activity.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean had significantly declined in recent years following international naval patrols and tighter security measures. However, recent attacks on commercial vessels — including fishing boats and container ships — suggest a worrying return of the threat.
Officials suspect the attackers launched the operation from a remote coastal area near Bander Beyla, though details of how they intercepted the tanker remain unclear.
The hijacking comes at a time of heightened global tension and rising fuel costs linked to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The seizure of a fuel-laden vessel is expected to worsen concerns in Mogadishu, where petrol prices have already surged sharply in recent weeks.
Shipping data indicates the tanker had earlier departed from Berbera and spent time navigating near the strategic Strait of Hormuz before redirecting towards Somalia.
So far, there has been no official statement from Somali authorities or the European Union Naval Force, which is responsible for monitoring maritime security in the region.
The incident is likely to intensify calls for stronger naval surveillance and coordinated international efforts to prevent further attacks along the Somali coast.