Crew of hijacked tanker M/T Asana held hostage in Somalia

Somali pirates are holding the chemical tanker M/T Asana and its crew hostage off the Somali coast, nearly two weeks after seizing the vessel in the Gulf of Aden. The tanker, which flies the Tanzanian flag, is currently anchored near the coast, according to anonymous security sources.

The 19-member crew is largely composed of Indian nationals. The M/T Asana was hijacked on July 16. Security sources from Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region confirmed the tanker's location and the crew's nationality.

Another vessel, the M/V Sward, sailing under the Syrian flag and hijacked on April 26, is also anchored in the same area. Pirates are reportedly based near the town of Garacad, where they have significant support and may move the vessel.

Further complicating the maritime security situation, two other tankers, the M/T Honour 25 and Eureka, along with their crews, are being held by pirates approximately 200 kilometers north of the M/T Asana's current location. These vessels were seized in April and May.