New Delhi: Two foreign-flagged commercial vessels carrying a total of 22 Indian seafarers have been hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.
According to officials from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all 22 Indian crew members aboard the two vessels are reportedly safe as authorities work with relevant agencies to monitor the situation.
MT Sibu 1 Hijacked in Gulf of Aden
The first vessel highlighted in the latest reports is the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker MT Sibu 1.
The ship was hijacked on August 20, 2026, while sailing through the Gulf of Aden off Yemen.
The tanker was carrying a total crew of 20, including 16 Indian nationals. Other crew members included nationals from Syria, Sudan and Iraq, while the nationality of one additional seafarer had not initially been confirmed.
According to information cited by Indian authorities, six armed pirates boarded MT Sibu 1 and took control of the tanker.
The vessel reportedly issued a distress call after the gunmen boarded and forced it to alter course towards Somalia.
M/V LUTUF Seized Off Somalia
The second incident involved the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF, which was hijacked on August 17 near Somalia’s Puntland coast.
The vessel had 10 crew members onboard, including six Indians.
Reports said eight armed men boarded the ship from two small boats before taking control of the vessel.
The two incidents occurred just three days apart, highlighting renewed concerns about piracy in waters surrounding Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
All 22 Indian Seafarers Reportedly Safe
India’s High Commission in Kenya has confirmed that it is following developments involving both vessels and has taken up the matter with the concerned authorities in Somalia.
The mission said there were reportedly 16 Indian seafarers aboard MT Sibu and six aboard M/V LUTUF and that all of them were reported to be safe.
The High Commission also stressed that India attaches the highest importance to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
Indian authorities are expected to remain in contact with local governments, ship operators and maritime agencies as efforts continue to ensure the safety of the crews.
Piracy Threat Resurfaces in the Region
The hijackings have renewed attention on the threat posed by Somali piracy in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
The Gulf of Aden connects the Arabian Sea to the Red Sea and is an important route for vessels transporting oil, consumer goods and other cargo between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
According to the Associated Press, MT Sibu 1 became the sixth commercial vessel hijacked in the region since April, indicating a resurgence in piracy after years in which international naval patrols had significantly reduced attacks.
Pirates operating from Somalia have historically used small, fast boats to approach commercial vessels before armed groups board ships and take control of crews and cargo.
Growing Concern for Indian Seafarers
The incidents are particularly significant for India because thousands of Indian nationals work aboard commercial vessels operating around the world.
The latest hijackings underline the risks faced by Indian seafarers operating through conflict-prone and piracy-affected maritime regions.
With 22 Indians involved in the two latest seizures, authorities are closely watching developments and coordinating with relevant parties to protect their safety.
Maritime Security Under Spotlight
The seizure of two vessels within days of each other is likely to increase pressure for stronger maritime surveillance and security measures across the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia.
Commercial operators navigating the region may also face increased security costs, revised routes and greater reliance on naval assistance if attacks continue.
For now, the most significant development for India is that all 22 Indian crew members aboard MT Sibu 1 and M/V LUTUF are reportedly safe, even as both hijackings remain a serious maritime security concern.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as further information regarding the vessels and their crews emerges.
Source – Press Trust of India (PTI)
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