Tanzanian-Flagged Chemical Tanker Asana Hijacked off Yemen, Steered Toward Puntland

The Tanzanian-flagged chemical tanker Asana, built in 1992, was seized by suspected Somali pirates on July 18 after departing Mukalla, Yemen, according to the Yemeni Coast Guard and regional security sources. Seven armed pirates are believed to have boarded the vessel before assuming control.

UKMTO initially reported unauthorised personnel boarding a merchant vessel approximately 65 nautical miles south of Mukalla. The Yemeni Coast Guard subsequently placed the attack approximately 26 nautical miles off Hadramout province. The vessel issued a distress call during the incident and did not have an armed security team aboard, according to maritime security firm Ambrey.

AIS data from ShipAtlas shows Asana subsequently moving slowly across the Gulf of Aden, at one stage making approximately two knots while broadcasting Bosaso as its destination. Local officials confirmed on July 20 that the vessel had been moved to waters off Caluula in Puntland's Bari region, suggesting the pirates had successfully completed the Gulf of Aden crossing.

A South Korean naval vessel was dispatched in response to the distress call. No details of any intervention have been released. The number and nationalities of the crew remain unknown and no injuries have been confirmed. Neither Puntland authorities nor the vessel's owner or manager have issued a public statement.