A Yemeni oil tanker was attacked off the port of Makha at the south-eastern tip of Yemen in the Red Sea.

Somali pirates were reported by the local SABA news agency to have intercepted the tanker in a hijack attempt, but the crew  managed to escape as it sent out a distress call to Coast Guards in the area who offered immediate assistance.

Tankerworld was unable to confirm the name of the tanker.

Security experts, meanwhile, say pirates are starting to operate further afield.

The 33,209 dwt chemical tanker Stolt Strength for example, came under attack again from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on May 31, at the southern end of the Red Sea, near the port of Makha.

The Stolt Tankers BV. chartered tanker had just been released after being hijacked last November and held captive for five months. (See story links)