High seas under threat as Somali pirates target more ships

Maritime authorities have raised alarms over a growing piracy threat off the coast of Somalia after a cargo ship was seized in the latest suspected hijacking in the region, as reported by BBC News Africa with AFP on April 27th.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was taken by “unauthorised persons” on April 26th and redirected into Somali territorial waters, prompting officials to elevate the threat level to “substantial.” The incident marks part of a broader surge in piracy-related activity, with at least four vessels targeted in the past week alone.

Among the recent incidents, a fishing vessel was seized on April 23rd, while an oil tanker, Honour 25, was hijacked on April 22nd. The tanker, carrying a crew of 17 from multiple countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, was reportedly anchored near the Somali coastline between Xaafun and Bander Beyla under pirate control.

Authorities also reported an attempted boarding of a cargo ship by at least two armed individuals in a small boat on the same day. The attackers retreated after the ship’s crew fired warning shots.

The most recent hijacking occurred approximately six nautical miles off Garacad, according to UKMTO, while a separate incident was reported earlier near Mareeyo in northern Somalia.

Officials have warned that current weather conditions are favourable for small boat operations, increasing the likelihood of further attacks. Ships transiting the region have been urged to exercise heightened caution due to the risk of Pirate Action Group activity.

Piracy in the region had significantly declined over the past decade, following international naval efforts that curbed hijackings in what was once one of the world’s most dangerous shipping routes. However, recent events suggest a concerning resurgence.

Between 2005 and 2012, Somali pirates generated hundreds of millions of dollars by holding crews hostage and demanding ransom payments, according to World Bank estimates. Authorities now fear that similar patterns could re-emerge if the current trend continues.

BBC News Africa with AFP, Maghrebi.org