📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Marco Gualazzini
International
Somali Forces Free Eritrean‑Flagged US‑Sanctioned Tanker Sibu 1 from Pirates
✍️ NDTV Top
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 06:09 AM
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The Eritrea‑flagged tanker Sibu 1, seized by six armed men on Aug 20, was rescued by Somali forces, UKMTO reported.
Somali maritime authorities intervened on Thursday to liberate the tanker Sibu 1 after it was hijacked by a group of six armed individuals on August 20. The vessel, sailing under the Eritrean flag, is listed among assets subject to United States sanctions.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the six assailants seized the tanker in international waters off the Somali coast, prompting immediate alerts to regional security forces.
Somali naval units responded swiftly, boarding the ship and securing the crew without reported injuries. The rescue underscores ongoing anti‑piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and the broader Indian Ocean region, where commercial shipping remains vulnerable to armed robbery.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the perpetrators or any legal proceedings pending against them. The incident highlights the challenges of safeguarding sanctioned vessels that traverse high‑risk maritime corridors.
The rescued tanker is expected to resume its voyage after a brief inspection by Somali officials, reaffirming the country's commitment to maintaining safe passage for international trade.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the six assailants seized the tanker in international waters off the Somali coast, prompting immediate alerts to regional security forces.
Somali naval units responded swiftly, boarding the ship and securing the crew without reported injuries. The rescue underscores ongoing anti‑piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and the broader Indian Ocean region, where commercial shipping remains vulnerable to armed robbery.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the perpetrators or any legal proceedings pending against them. The incident highlights the challenges of safeguarding sanctioned vessels that traverse high‑risk maritime corridors.
The rescued tanker is expected to resume its voyage after a brief inspection by Somali officials, reaffirming the country's commitment to maintaining safe passage for international trade.