Sanctioned Product Tanker Sibu 1 Hijacked in Gulf of Aden, Diverted Toward Somalia

The OFAC-sanctioned product tanker Sibu 1 broadcast a distress signal on VHF Channel 16 on August 19 at approximately 1718 UTC reporting an unauthorised vessel approaching while heading westbound through the Gulf of Aden, 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. UKMTO confirmed six armed men boarded and seized control, diverting the vessel toward Somalia. The vessel's AIS broadcast "PIRATE ONBOARD HELP" before altering course.

Sibu 1, formerly known as Seamull, was sanctioned by OFAC in December 2025 for transporting Iranian petroleum products and calling at Houthi-controlled Yemeni ports. The hijacking brings the total vessels currently held by Somali pirates to six, with 44 seafarers in captivity.