A Tanzanian tanker, MT Asana, is held by Somali pirates off Puntland, raising concerns over renewed piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
A Tanzanian flagged tanker seized in the Gulf of Aden last week is now being held by Somali pirates off Puntland, residents told Reuters.
The MT Asana, a fuel and chemical carrier, was boarded by unauthorized personnel in Yemeni waters and maneuvered into Somali territory, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. Two residents of Caluula reported that pirates were supplying food to the vessel.
One resident, describing himself as a former pirate, stated that the ship has 20 crew members, including eight Germans and 10 Filipinos. Germany's foreign ministry declined to comment on the abduction of its nationals.
Somali piracy wreaked havoc between 2008 and 2018 before subsiding. However, activity began to rise again in late 2023, raising fears of a renewed threat to shipping in the region.
