Gunfire exchange as pirates target Stolt tanker in Somali waters

Gunfire exchange as pirates target Stolt tanker in Somali waters
Adis Ajdin November 3, 2025 https://splash247.com/gunfire-exchange-as-pirates-target-stolt-tanker-in...

A chemical tanker operated by Stolt Tankers came under fire from armed pirates off the coast of Somalia, according to maritime security specialist Vanguard Tech.

The Cayman Islands-flagged Stolt Sagaland was transiting about 332 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu, within the Somali exclusive economic zone, when it was approached by a skiff launched from a suspected mothership at around 04.45 hrs local time.

Vanguard reported that four armed men on board the skiff opened fire as they approached from the starboard side. The crew raised the alarm, increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres, while the armed security team on board returned fire, deterring the attack.

No injuries or damage were reported, and the vessel continued its voyage after the exchange. The 44,000 dwt super-segregator, built in 2008, had departed Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and was en route to its next port when the incident occurred.

The incident was confirmed by both UKMTO and private security firm Ambrey, which said the attackers came within 0.05 nautical miles before retreating to their mothership after warning shots were fired.

The EU NAVFOR Atalanta operation has since raised its threat level in the region, assessing that an active Pirate Action Group (PAG) may be operating off Somalia. The group is believed to be linked to an Iranian dhow hijacked last week near Garacad.

Ambrey noted that unusual dhow movements had been reported in the area before the attack and warned of the “realistic possibility of further suspicious approaches.”