Pirates seize vessel off Somali coast amid increased threat level

A cargo ship was seized by suspected pirates six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia, prompting maritime authorities to raise the threat level in the area to substantial.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that "unauthorised persons" took control of the vessel and redirected it to Somalia's territorial waters on Sunday.

This incident is part of a series of recent piracy attacks, with at least four vessels targeted in the last week, including a fishing vessel and an oil tanker.

The UKMTO has advised vessels to transit with caution due to the increased threat of Pirate Action Group activity, noting that weather conditions are favorable for small boat operations.

The hijacking on Sunday follows other recent incidents, such as a separate hijacking off the coast of Mareeyo on 21 April and the seizure of the oil tanker Honour 25 on 22 April.

The tanker, carrying a multinational crew, was anchored near the Somali shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun and Bander Beyla under pirate control.

Piracy in this region had nearly disappeared three years ago but has since resurged, raising concerns for maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

The UKMTO also reported an attempted boarding of a cargo ship on Thursday, which was repelled after the crew fired warning shots.

Between 2005 and 2012, piracy off the Horn of Africa generated significant ransom payments, highlighting the economic impact of such attacks.

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