Kolkata, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 16 Indian seafarers are currently being held hostage after three merchant vessels were hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the Horn of Africa between April and July this year, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has confirmed.
According to the maritime authority, the latest incident involved MT Asana, which was hijacked on July 17 about 65 nautical miles south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The tanker, carrying 22 crew members, including 11 Indians, is reportedly being taken towards Somalia.
Earlier, MT Eureka was seized off the Somali coast on May 2 with four Indian nationals among its 12-member crew, while MT Honour was hijacked on April 24 with one Indian aboard its 17-member crew. Another vessel, MV Sward, was also captured off the Somali coast, though no Indian seafarers were on board. The vessel remains under surveillance by international naval forces.
The DGMA said the incidents underscore the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and adjoining waters, stressing the need for strict adherence to internationally accepted maritime security protocols.
The authority highlighted the successful prevention of an attempted hijacking of MV Golden Arsenal on July 1, attributing the outcome to the crew’s vigilance and prompt implementation of the Ship Security Plan. After the crew secured themselves in the vessel’s citadel and alerted the Indian Navy and maritime security agencies, an Indian naval warship responded swiftly. The approaching helicopter forced the pirates to flee, after which marine commandos boarded and secured the vessel.
Issuing a fresh advisory, the DGMA directed shipowners, operators and masters navigating through the Gulf of Aden, the Southern Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the waters off the Horn of Africa to strictly follow the latest Best Management Practices (BMP5).
The advisory calls for comprehensive security risk assessments before entering High Risk Areas, updated Ship Security Plans, operational citadel facilities, anti-boarding measures, piracy drills, and regular reporting to designated maritime security centres. Vessel operators have also been advised to closely monitor security advisories issued by the DGMA, Indian Navy, International Maritime Organization (IMO), UKMTO and MSCHOA while planning voyages.
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