A tanker has been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden after being boarded by armed men, according to a UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warning issued Thursday.
UKMTO reported that the incident occurred approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The vessel, traveling west through the Gulf of Aden, broadcast a distress call on VHF Channel 16 after being approached by an unauthorized craft.
In a subsequent update, UKMTO confirmed that six armed persons boarded the tanker, took control of the vessel, and were redirecting it toward Somalia. Authorities are investigating the hijacking.
Vessels in the region have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
