A pirate attack attempt off Somalia has raised fresh concerns over maritime security in the Indian Ocean, as authorities warn of increasing activity by pirate action groups (PAGs) following recent vessel hijackings.
The incident occurred on April 28, approximately 500 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, involving a tanker transiting southbound in the Indian Ocean. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was approached by multiple suspicious craft in what is believed to be a coordinated piracy attempt.
The master reported that a large wooden vessel – assessed as a possible mothership – crossed ahead of the tanker at a distance of about one nautical mile. Shortly afterwards, two smaller skiffs approached from the starboard side, closing to within approximately 400 metres.
The situation de-escalated when the approaching craft identified armed security personnel onboard. Both the skiffs and the larger vessel subsequently withdrew without further escalation. No injuries to crew or damage to the vessel were reported.
The incident fits a broader pattern of renewed piracy threats in the region. Over the past week, at least four piracy-related incidents have been recorded off the Somali coast, including the confirmed hijackings of MV Honour 25 on April 21 and MV Sward on April 26. Both vessels remain under monitoring by EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) assets.
While no crew casualty figures have been officially released for the hijacked vessels, authorities continue to track their status amid ongoing maritime security operations.
Regional threat assessments have been raised in response to the spike in activity. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has increased its threat level to “substantial,” warning that pirate groups are demonstrating renewed operational capability, likely supported by mothership deployment to extend their range deep into the Indian Ocean.
UKMTO has issued updated guidance advising vessels transiting the area to maintain heightened vigilance, implement Best Management Practices (BMP), and ensure the presence of onboard security measures where possible.
For ship operators and crews, the latest incidents underscore a concerning trend: Somali piracy, largely suppressed over the past decade, is showing signs of resurgence, with increasingly coordinated approaches and a growing willingness to target vessels far from the coastline.
