International
Pirates Hijack Two Vessels With 22 Indian Nationals Off Yemen and Somalia
The Hindu1h
THE BRIEF
1
Armed pirates hijacked two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals in separate incidents off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia, according to a senior Shipping Ministry official on August 21, 2026.
2
The Eritrea-flagged tanker M T Sibu 1, carrying 16 Indians, was seized on August 20 in the Gulf of Aden, while a Cameroon-flagged ship with six Indians was hijacked off Somalia on August 17.
3
The hijacked cargo ship, M/V LUTUF, was transporting Turkish weapons to Mogadishu when it was seized near Eyl district, with officials confirming that all Indian crew members currently remain safe.