The EU naval force Operation ATALANTA closed four piracy cases off the northern coast of Somalia, while the motor tanker ASANA remains under pirate control in Somali territorial waters, according to an update issued on October 16, 2026 and reported on October 19. The closed cases involved the tankers HONOUR 25, EUREKA and SIBU 1, and the merchant vessel SWARD, all seized between April and August 2026.
HONOUR 25: hijacked April 21; Puntland Maritime Police Forces freed it on September 29; five crew were killed and two injured; the remaining crew were taken ashore by October 4.
SWARD: hijacked April 26 while sailing to Mombasa; pirates abandoned it on September 11 and it has since arrived safely in Mombasa.
SIBU 1: hijacked August 20 about 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla; freed on September 25 with up to 21 suspected pirates arrested, one killed and four injured.
EUREKA: hijacked May 2 off Qana Port, Shabwa; pirates left it on September 29 and deliberately grounded it; the crew were repatriated and Puntland authorities took control.
ASANA: hijacked July 17 about 65 nautical miles southwest of Mukalla; as of October 16 it remained under pirate control inside Somali waters.
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