Alert

Piracy

Sept. 28, 2026, 1:52 p.m.

ALERT 98/26 MSCIO has received information regarding an incident 136NM east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, in the Gulf of Aden. A tanker initially broadcast a distress call on VHF Channel 16, reporting that it had been approached by an unauthorised vessel while transiting westbound. According to the latest information, the tanker has reportedly been boarded by six armed persons, who are now in control of the vessel and redirecting it towards Somalia. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident and monitoring the situation. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE01: Operation ATALANTA continues to monitor the ongoing incident. The tanker is currently assessed to remain under pirate control. Operation ATALANTA assets are maintaining close surveillance of the pirated vessel while continuing to monitor the situation. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE02: Operation ATALANTA assets confirm the release of the Motor Tanker SIBU 1. The incident involving M/T SIBU 1 is considered closed. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO.