Piracy is once again escalating off the coast of Somalia, with four incidents reported in just a few days, including two vessel hijackings. Authorities warn that the threat level is rising and urge merchant shipping to exercise extreme caution.
According to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a cargo vessel located about six nautical miles northeast of Garacad was boarded by unauthorized individuals and redirected into Somali territorial waters. This marks the second hijacking reported within a week.
Earlier, on April 21, the Palau-flagged product tanker Honour 25 was seized by six armed men approximately 30 nautical miles offshore. The vessel, carrying 18,500 barrels of oil and a crew of 17, was subsequently moved deeper into Somali waters. Additional incidents include the hijacking of a Somali-flagged fishing vessel near Xaafuun and an attempted armed boarding reported off Eyl.
In response, the Joint Maritime Information Center has raised the threat level for the Somali coast and basin to “substantial,” indicating a strong likelihood of further attacks.
The resurgence comes at a time of broader regional instability. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, leaving hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers stranded. At the same time, concerns persist over potential renewed threats in the Red Sea.
Somali piracy last peaked in 2011, when more than 200 attacks were recorded in a single year. The latest developments raise concerns that the region may be entering a new cycle of heightened maritime insecurity.
