UKMTO: Armed men seize control of tanker in Gulf of Aden

Six armed individuals have seized a tanker in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen and redirected the vessel toward Somalia, Report informs, citing a statement from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) posted on X.

The incident occurred approximately 136 nautical miles east of Mukalla, according to the agency. The tanker, which was transiting west through the Gulf of Aden, broadcast a distress call on VHF channel 16, reporting the approach of an unauthorized craft.

UKMTO subsequently received confirmation that 6 armed persons boarded the tanker, seized control of the vessel, and altered its course toward Somalia.

Authorities are investigating the incident, UKMTO noted.