Piracy Activity Surges Off Somali Coast as Tanker Fires Warning Shots in Gulf of Aden

Maritime security agencies have issued renewed warnings over rising piracy threats off the coast of Somalia after an oil tanker was forced to fire warning shots at suspicious boats approaching the vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

According to a new report published by The Maritime Executive, the incident occurred on May 22 while the tanker was transiting the Gulf of Aden, approximately 98 nautical miles from Yemen’s Socotra Island. Information shared with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicated that the vessel’s onboard security team discharged warning fire after several suspicious small boats rapidly approached the tanker.

The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) described the encounter as the third piracy-related incident reported within a week, signaling a noticeable increase in pirate activity in waters surrounding Somalia.

Earlier incidents included the sighting of a suspicious skiff near Bosaso on May 18, believed to have been used by pirate groups targeting commercial vessels. On May 15, an armed speedboat reportedly intercepted a fishing vessel, with armed individuals onboard carrying weapons resembling AK-47 rifles.

Maritime authorities also confirmed that three vessels remain under the control of Somali pirate groups. The oil tanker MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21, followed by the seizure of the cargo vessel Sward on April 26. Another tanker, Eureka, was captured on May 2.

Reports indicate that pirate groups are demanding a ransom of approximately $3 million for the release of the Eureka.

UKMTO warned that piracy threats remain highly elevated across the Somalia Basin and waters off the Somali coast, while MSCIO identified northern Somalia, particularly Puntland and the Gulf of Aden, as the areas posing the greatest risk to commercial shipping.

International maritime security agencies have advised vessels to remain at least 150 nautical miles away from the Somali coastline whenever possible, or avoid the region entirely, to reduce the risk of attacks.

The renewed surge in piracy incidents has raised fresh concerns among global shipping operators and international naval forces overseeing one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors.