📰 Somali Piracy Surge: Four Vessels Hijacked in One Week, Threat Level Raised
On April 27, 2026, piracy off the coast of Somalia saw a dramatic resurgence, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) raising the threat level in the region to “substantial” after reporting at least four suspected piracy incidents in the past week.
According to a UKMTO statement, a vessel was seized by “unauthorised persons” on Sunday approximately six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia, and redirected into Somali territorial waters. Citing an “increased threat of possible Pirate Action Group (PAG) activity,” the UKMTO advised vessels to “transit with caution,” noting that current weather conditions are favorable for small boat operations.
The UKMTO also issued a warning regarding a separate hijacking off the coast of Mareeyo, northern Somalia, which occurred on April 21. According to multiple security officials speaking to the BBC, an oil tanker named Honour 25, carrying a crew of 17, was hijacked by pirates near the Somali coast on April 22. The crew includes 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, one Sri Lankan, and one Myanmar national. Under pirate control, the vessel has been anchored close to the Somali shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun and Bander Beyla.
Additionally, the UKMTO reported that a Somali-flagged fishing vessel was seized on Thursday. On the same day, at least two armed individuals attempted to board a cargo ship from a small boat but withdrew after the cargo vessel’s crew fired warning shots.
Somali piracy previously peaked between 2005 and 2012. According to World Bank estimates, pirates off the Horn of Africa earned between $339 million and $413 million during that period by holding crew members hostage and demanding ransom payments. Following coordinated international naval patrols, piracy in the region had nearly disappeared.
However, over the past three years, Somali piracy has made a troubling comeback. Analysts point to Somalia’s deteriorating internal security as a key driver of this resurgence. Recently, a wave of coordinated attacks by jihadist militants and separatists has spread across the country, with clashes reported in the central and northern regions. This has been described as the largest jihadist attack in years. The escalation of internal conflict has weakened coastal patrol and law enforcement capabilities, creating an environment conducive to pirate operations.
The international community is calling for enhanced naval presence and coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean. Several shipping companies have begun reassessing their route planning, with some vessels opting for longer detours to avoid high-risk waters—a decision that significantly increases shipping costs and transit times. Given the Indian Ocean’s critical role in global energy transport and international trade, the resurgence of Somali piracy poses a renewed threat to global supply chains.
Source: BBC News