A cargo vessel has reportedly been hijacked off the coast of Somalia, with unauthorised individuals taking control and redirecting it into territorial waters, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said late on Sunday.
The incident was reported approximately 6 nautical miles (6.9 miles) northeast of Garacad, Somalia, UKMTO said on the US social media platform X.
“It has been reported that unauthorised persons have taken control of a cargo vessel which has been re-directed to within territorial waters,” the statement said.
UKMTO advised vessels in the area to exercise caution amid heightened security risks.
‘Transit with caution’
“Due to the increased threat of possible PAG (Pirate Action Group) activity, vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity,” it said.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, the statement added.
No further details were provided regarding the vessel’s crew, cargo, or the identity of those involved in the hijacking.
Meanwhile, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has raised its threat level for the Somali Coast and Somali Basin to “substantial,” signaling that an attack is now considered a strong possibility.
“An oil-products tanker is reported to be held by pirates on the northeastern Somali coast. No injuries have been reported. Separately, a Pirate Action Group is reported to be active in the Somali Basin. Vessels in the vicinity are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and review BMP-MS guidance,” JIMC said in its 26 April update.
Shift in maritime security
Analysts say the warning points to a worrying shift in a region once synonymous with maritime insecurity.
During the height of Somali piracy between 2008 and 2011, more than 200 attacks were recorded at its peak, with armed groups targeting vessels, seizing crews, and demanding ransom payments.
The renewed threat is emerging as key global shipping routes are already under pressure, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing tensions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have severely disrupted maritime movement.
