Somali Coast Sees Fourth Vessel Seized in Week as UKMTO Raises Threat Level
A cargo ship became the latest vessel seized off the coast of Somalia on Sunday, in what maritime authorities suspect is an act of piracy. This incident marks at least the fourth targeting of a vessel in the region within the last week, leading the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to elevate the threat level to "substantial".
The UKMTO reported that "unauthorised persons" took control of the vessel and directed it into Somali territorial waters. This incident occurred six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia. Separately, a hijacking off Mareeyo, northern Somalia, was reported on 21 April.
Multiple security officials confirmed the hijacking of the oil tanker, Honour 25, with 17 crew members near the Somali coast on 22 April. The crew included ten Pakistanis, four Indonesians, an Indian, a Sri Lankan, and an individual from Myanmar. The vessel subsequently anchored near the Somali shore between Xaafun and Bander Beyla.
Other incidents this past week include the seizure of a Somali-flagged fishing vessel and another oil tanker on Thursday. Additionally, two armed individuals attempted to board a cargo ship on Thursday but retreated after warning shots were fired.
Piracy, which had significantly declined in this stretch of the Indian Ocean, has seen a resurgence. The UKMTO advised vessels to "transit with caution" due to the increased threat of Pirate Action Group activity, noting that current weather conditions are favourable for small boat operations.
Between 2005 and 2012, the World Bank estimated that pirates operating off the Horn of Africa generated between USD#339 million and USD#413 million through hostage-taking and ransom demands.
