Pirates boarded an unnamed tanker in the Gulf of Aden on 1 July before leaving the vessel after the crew secured themselves in the citadel.

The incident occurred about 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, and 110 nautical miles northeast of Bosaso, Somalia. The tanker reported that a small boat carrying four heavily armed people, including RPGs, was approaching the vessel.

As the small boat overtook the tanker, the crew stopped the vessel, entered the citadel and issued a distress call while waiting for assistance.

The crew later left the citadel to inspect the ship and found that the pirates had departed. Boarding ladders remained on the tanker’s hull, and the crew returned to the citadel as a precaution until assistance arrived.

Reports said four pirates had boarded the tanker. The crew found damage to the bridge and several compartments near the bridge.

A short time later, four heavily armed people were seen pursuing a second merchant ship. MSCIO said the timing and location indicated it was likely the same group. The second vessel evaded the skiff, which then ended the pursuit.

Authorities warned that the group appeared to be looking for further targets in the area.

Three other vessels have remained held by pirate groups in Somalia since late April and early May. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has ordered increased efforts to free Egyptian sailors held on one of the vessels.