Somali pirates hijack MT Eureka off Yemen and take it towards Somalia
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 2
Somali pirates hijack MT Eureka off Yemen and take it towards Somalia
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 2
Puntland and Yemeni security officials said the Togolese-flagged tanker was seized near Qana at about 05:00 local time and was expected to anchor in Somali waters within hours.
The hijacking is the second tanker seizure in 10 days and the fourth successful pirate hijacking in two weeks, while UKMTO also reported armed men approaching a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala.
Officials say piracy is spreading along Somalia's coast as navies diverted to counter Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea leave fewer resources for anti-piracy patrols.
Could Somali pirates and Houthi rebels unite to form a more dangerous new threat at sea?
As global powers focus on Iran, are they creating a new golden age for high-seas pirates?
How has modern technology transformed the multi-billion dollar business of ocean piracy?
The hijacking of the M/T Eureka off Yemen on May 2, 2026, highlights a sharp rise in piracy driven by a security vacuum created as international naval forces shifted focus to counter Houthi threats, leaving critical gaps in maritime surveillance. Somalia's internal instability and illegal foreign fishing have fueled local resentment, enabling pirates to gain support by posing as protectors. Enhanced by alliances with militant groups, pirates exploit these conditions to target vulnerable vessels, especially those not following safety practices. This surge disrupts global shipping routes, raising insurance costs and energy prices, with countries like India facing significant economic impacts. Addressing this requires coordinated regional governance, economic alternatives, and strict adherence to maritime security measures.