Twenty-Two Indians Held After Two Vessels Hijacked Near Somalia and Yemen

Hindustan Times reports that pirates have hijacked two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals near Yemen and Somalia. The oil tanker M.T. Sibu 1 was seized in the Gulf of Aden by six armed pirates, with all 20 crew members reported safe. Separately, the cargo vessel M/V LUTUF, carrying weapons and satellite equipment for a Turkish military facility, was seized off Somalia's Puntland coast. The current status of the LUTUF and its cargo remains unclear.

The Hindu reports on the hijacking of two commercial vessels involving 22 Indian crew members off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia. An Eritrea-flagged tanker was seized on August 20, 2026, followed by the hijacking of the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF on August 17. The source reports an airstrike occurred near the LUTUF after a small boat delivered supplies, resulting in four deaths. Officials state the Indian crew members are currently believed to be safe.

Livemint reports that renewed piracy threats in the Horn of Africa have resulted in the hijacking of two vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals. Citing various reports, it states the M.T. Sibu 1 was seized off Yemen, while the M/V LUTUF was captured off Somalia while transporting Turkish weapons to Mogadishu. Turkish drones and helicopters have reportedly monitored the hijacked cargo vessel, though the final status of the ship, its cargo, and crew remains unconfirmed.

Rediff reports that two commercial vessels with 22 Indian crew members have been hijacked off Yemen and Somalia, according to a senior shipping ministry official. The M.T. Sibu 1 was seized on August 20 by six pirates, while the M/V LUTUF was boarded on August 17 by eight pirates armed with AK-47s. The official states that although the LUTUF crew initially gathered in a secure citadel, pirates gained access and moved them to the bridge.

Zee News reports that 22 Indian nationals are among the crews of two ships recently hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast. The M.T. Sibu 1 was boarded by six pirates near Yemen, while the M/V LUTUF was seized near Puntland by eight pirates linked to previous hijackings. The report highlights that the M/V LUTUF was transporting weapons and communication equipment intended for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu.

The Sunday Guardian reports that 22 Indian nationals are at risk following two separate pirate hijackings off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia. The Eritrea-flagged MT Sibu 1 was seized in the Gulf of Aden on August 20 with 16 Indians aboard, while the Cameroon-flagged Lutuf was taken on August 17 with six Indians among its crew. Officials state the crew members are safe as authorities investigate the resurgence of piracy in these strategically important maritime routes.

BusinessLine reports that armed pirates hijacked two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals in separate incidents near Yemen and Somalia. A senior Shipping Ministry official confirmed that 16 Indians were on the MT Sibu 1 and six were on the M/V Lutuf, adding that all crew members are currently reported safe. The hijackings coincide with a broader increase in regional piracy and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the significant risks faced by India's large seafarer workforce in these volatile shipping corridors.

The Hindu reports that two commercial vessels, the M.T. Sibu 1 and the M/V Lutuf, were hijacked off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia. The report states that twenty-two Indian nationals were involved in these maritime incidents. The publication further details that the M/V Lutuf was subsequently linked to a fatal airstrike occurring off the Somali coast. These developments highlight increasing maritime security concerns for Indian citizens operating in these high-risk territorial waters.

Hindustan Times reports that 22 Indian seafarers are safe following the hijackings of two foreign-flagged vessels near Yemen and Somalia. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the MT Sibu 1 and MV Lutuf were seized by armed pirates in mid-August. Officials state that the Indian high commission in Kenya is coordinating with Somali authorities to ensure the welfare of the crew members, who remain aboard the captured merchant ships.

Outlook India reports on the hijacking of two commercial vessels, the MT Sibu 1 and MV LUTUF, which collectively have 22 Indian nationals on board. Citing shipping ministry officials and maritime reports, the source details how pirates gained control of the vessels despite crew attempts to muster in a secure citadel. The report highlights broader regional security pressures and notes that India is now the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, increasing its exposure to such risks.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that 22 Indian citizens are among the crew members of two foreign-flagged vessels hijacked by pirates near Somalia and Yemen. The oil tanker MT Sibu 1 and the vessel MV Lutuf were reportedly seized by armed individuals, with the former being redirected toward the Somali coast. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian citizens are currently safe and the government is coordinating with international authorities to ensure their security.