Maritime authorities have warned of a growing piracy threat off the coast of Somalia after a cargo vessel was seized in the latest suspected attack.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) raised the threat level in the area to “substantial,” stating that “unauthorised persons” boarded the ship and redirected it into Somali territorial waters on Sunday. The incident occurred about six nautical miles off Garacad. No further details about the vessel or crew have been released.
The latest hijacking is part of a series of incidents reported over the past week. At least four vessels have been targeted, including a fishing boat and an oil tanker. In a separate case on April 21, another vessel was seized near Mareeyo in northern Somalia.
On April 22, an oil tanker named Honour 25 was hijacked while sailing near the Somali coast. The ship, carrying 17 crew members of different nationalities, was later anchored near the coast between Xaafun and Bander Beyla under the control of the attackers.
The UKMTO also reported that a Somali-flagged fishing vessel was seized on Thursday. On the same day, two armed men in a small boat attempted to board another cargo ship but retreated after the crew fired warning shots.
Shipping authorities have warned that weather conditions in the area currently favour small boat operations, which are commonly used in piracy attacks. Vessels passing through the region have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures.
Piracy in this region had significantly declined in recent years after international naval patrols were increased. However, the recent series of attacks suggests that pirate groups may be reorganising and resuming operations.
Between 2005 and 2012, piracy off the Horn of Africa generated hundreds of millions of dollars in ransom payments, according to estimates by the World Bank. The return of such activity is now raising concerns about the safety of global shipping routes and crews operating in these waters.
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