According to maritime security reports, four armed men in a small skiff approached the vessel about 615 kilometers (332 nautical miles) from Mogadishu and opened fire after attempting to board.
The crew managed to raise the alarm, increase speed, and carry out evasive maneuvers, while an armed security team on board returned fire, successfully preventing the attackers from boarding. No injuries or damage were reported.
Security sources identified the targeted ship as the Stolt Sagaland, a Cayman Islands-flagged chemical tanker operated by Stolt-Nielsen. The company confirmed the incident, saying its crew “responded swiftly and professionally” and that all personnel are safe.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) said it is investigating the incident and recently warned of potential pirate activity near the Somali coast.
If confirmed as a piracy case, it would mark the first such attack since May 2024, reviving concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s busiest trade routes linking the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The renewed threat comes as regional waters remain tense following Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global shipping and increased rerouting costs across East Africa.