Mystery attackers seize Israeli-linked tanker in suspected piracy incident

In a high-stakes maritime drama, the Liberian-flagged tanker Central Park, associated with Israel and managed by Zodiac Maritime, was captured off the Yemeni coast on Sunday. This incident, marking the third of its kind amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, has sent shockwaves through the international maritime community.

Zodiac Maritime in Crisis Mode

London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of the Zodiac Group owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, described the seizure as a “suspected piracy incident.” The safety of the multinational crew of 22, hailing from countries including Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, Georgia, and the Philippines, is now the company’s top priority.

Cargo of Phosphoric Acid on Board

The Turkish-captained vessel, laden with a full cargo of phosphoric acid, finds itself in the center of a potential piracy crisis. With no immediate claim of responsibility, the attack near Aden, an area under the control of Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a Saudi-led coalition, adds to the geopolitical complexity.

Mystery Attackers Seize Israeli-Linked Tanker in Suspected Piracy Incident

US Involvement and Maritime Security Concerns

A US defense official reported the involvement of “unknown armed individuals” in the seizure, with reports suggesting US naval forces are engaged in the situation. This incident adds to a series of maritime tensions, including the recent seizure of a cargo ship by the Houthis in the Red Sea and a suspected Iranian drone attack on another Israeli-linked vessel, CMA CGM Symi.

Heightened Maritime Risks

Both the Central Park and CMA CGM Symi reportedly had their Automatic Identification System (AIS) trackers deactivated, a move typically reserved for potential threat scenarios. This latest seizure underscores the growing risks to global shipping during the Israel-Hamas war and the broader regional escalation.

The hijacking of the Central Park tanker has catapulted maritime security issues to the forefront of international concern, highlighting the precarious nature of shipping in conflict-prone regions.