Sanctioned tanker Sibu 1 hijacked in Gulf of Aden

Six armed people seized the tanker Sibu 1 (IMO 9204776) about 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, on 19 August and diverted it towards Somalia, gCaptain reports, citing UKMTO and Lloyd's List. The 32,200 dwt ship, formerly named Seamull, broadcast an AIS message reading "PIRATE ONBOARD HELP". OFAC sanctioned the vessel in December 2025, alleging it formed part of Iran's shadow fleet, carried Iranian petroleum products and called at Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen. It is managed by UAE-based Qatrat Alnada Almasi Ship Management. gCaptain links the hijacking to a wider resurgence of Somali piracy.

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