LNG Tanker Evades Pirate Attack Off Somali Coast By Accelerating To Safety

Pirates Fire On LNG Tanker As Maritime Threats Resurface In Indian Ocean

Maritime security sources have confirmed a pirate attack on a Malta-flagged LNG tanker sailing from India to South Africa. The incident occurred approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia, in the early hours of November 6. Armed assailants aboard a skiff fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the vessel.

The crew responded by accelerating the tanker and retreating to a secure citadel onboard, a standard protocol in high-risk zones. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an alert warning other vessels in the region to exercise extreme caution.

This marks one of the most serious piracy incidents in the region since 2024, raising concerns about a resurgence of Somali pirate activity. International naval forces, including the EU’s Operation Atalanta, are monitoring the situation closely.

Major Takeaways  

• LNG tanker attacked off Somali coast on November 6  
• Pirates fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades  
• Crew took refuge in citadel; vessel accelerated to evade capture  
• No injuries reported; ship remains under crew control  
• UKMTO and EU naval forces issued regional alerts  

Sources: Reuters, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Independent UK, Mathrubhumi English, Mid-Day