A Malta-flagged products tanker has been boarded by armed pirates in the Indian Ocean. According to maritime security specialists Vanguard Tech and Ambrey, the Hellas Aphrodite was attacked early today, approximately 549 nautical miles east-southeast of Hobyo, Somalia, far beyond the traditional high-risk area. The 50,000 dwt vessel, en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, came under fire from a skiff launched from a suspected Iranian-flagged mothership, identified as the Issamohahmdi. The pirates reportedly opened fire on approach before boarding the tanker. The vessel, which did not have an armed security team onboard, was seen altering course and speed at 06:44 UTC, roughly 546 nautical miles offshore Somalia. Another nearby tanker diverted away from the area following the attack. The mothership involved — the Issamohahmdi — was reportedly hijacked in recent weeks and has since been linked to three prior incidents off the Somali coast. The dhow’s AIS last transmitted about 560 nautical miles offshore.

Full report : Pirates board tanker off Somalia in biggest escalation since 2024.