Hijacked Oil Tanker Freed After Somali Pirates Captured in Counter-Piracy Operation

NAIROBI, Kenya — September 25, 2026 — The oil tanker Sibu 1 was freed after being hijacked by Somali pirates in August, while the pirates involved were captured during a counter-piracy operation, Somalia’s Puntland Maritime Police Force said Friday.

Tanker Seized in August

The Sibu 1 was seized on August 20 by six armed individuals, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel was later held by the pirates off the Somali coast.

Mohamed Jama, a commander in the Puntland Maritime Police Force, told Reuters that the operation to free the vessel began two days before the announcement. He said the tanker had been freed and the pirates were in the custody of Puntland forces.

Crew and Vessel Secured

The operation ended the weeks-long seizure of the tanker. Officials did not immediately provide detailed information about the condition of the crew or whether anyone was injured during the operation.

The Sibu 1 was one of a number of vessels targeted in waters around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden this year. Reuters reported that it was at least the 13th vessel attacked in the region in 2026, based on International Maritime Bureau and UKMTO data.

Piracy Concerns Return

The incident comes amid renewed concerns about piracy in waters off Somalia. The region experienced a major wave of piracy between 2008 and 2014, when commercial ships were frequently attacked and crews were held for ransom.

International maritime authorities have continued monitoring the waters around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, where commercial shipping routes remain heavily used.

Investigation Continues

The Puntland authorities said the counter-piracy operation was still ongoing following the release of the tanker. Further details about the captured pirates and the circumstances surrounding the seizure were expected to emerge as authorities continued their investigation.

Sources: Reuters; United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO); International Maritime Bureau; The Straits Times