Pirates Fail to Seize Bulk Carrier in Gulf of Aden—25th Attack of 2026
Suspected pirates boarded the Greek-owned Glamor 38 nautical miles off Yemen but failed to take control.
Suspected pirates attempted to hijack the Greek-owned bulk carrier Glamor in the Gulf of Aden on September 10, but failed to take control after the crew retreated to a secure area of the vessel. The incident marks the 25th reported piracy case worldwide since the beginning of 2026.
The attack occurred when a small boat approached the Glamor approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, Yemen. The crew responded by locking themselves in the ship’s citadel, a fortified safe room. Though the attackers briefly boarded the vessel, they were unable to gain control and eventually abandoned their attempt. The Glamor, which continued its voyage unharmed, is a 154-metre bulk carrier built in 1998 and registered under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. All crew members were confirmed safe following the incident.
Initial reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) placed the vessel’s location at 98 nautical miles southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen, before the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) confirmed the boarding near Balhaf. The area where the attack took place is not under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has been linked to regional instability and a potential rise in piracy this year. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Glamor.
Rising Piracy Concerns in the Region: Bulk Carrier
This year’s surge in piracy incidents has raised alarms among maritime authorities. Five vessels remain held by pirates in Somali coastal waters, including the recently hijacked Honour 25 and Sward. The European Union’s counter-piracy task force, Operation Atalanta, is investigating the Glamor incident and monitoring the situation in the region.
In response to the growing threat, authorities have advised commercial ships to exercise heightened caution within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coast, particularly in the corridor between Mogadishu and Hafun. While the crew’s use of the citadel prevented a successful hijacking in this case, the incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by vessels transiting the area. Maritime security experts continue to urge ships to follow best practices, maintain vigilance, and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
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