Resurgence of Somali Piracy: Hijacking of St. Kitts-Nevis Cargo Vessel Sward

On 27 April 2026, the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship Sward was boarded by suspected pirates off Somalia. The attack occurred about six nautical miles northeast of Garacad, near Godobjiran, at roughly 20:00 UTC. Crew were on the bridge except two mechanics when the vessel was seized and steered into Somali territorial waters.

Pirates hijack cargo ship off Somalia, vessel heads toward coast

Piracy off the Horn of Africa peaked 2008-2018, disrupting the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Naval patrols and onboard armed guards reduced incidents after 2018. Since late 2023 attacks have risen again, with several hijackings in April 2026.

Somali piracy activity returns: Second ship hijacked in a week in the Indian Ocean

UKMTO reported four incidents in the week: hijackings off Mareeyo (21 Apr), oil tanker Honour 25 seized near Xaafun (22 Apr), a Somali fishing vessel seized (24 Apr), and the cargo ship Sward hijacked near Garacad (27 Apr).

Piracy threat rises as another cargo ship seized off Somali coast

UKMTO says four vessels were targeted in the past week—a cargo ship, an oil tanker, a fishing vessel and a failed boarding. World Bank estimates piracy earned $339-$413 million in ransom payments from 2005-2012. UKMTO has raised threat level to “substantial” and notes weather favorable for small-boat attacks.

Piracy threat rises as another cargo ship seized off Somali coast

UKMTO warned ships to transit cautiously. Vanguard said the vessel is under pirate control, heading toward the Somali coast, and that Puntland Maritime Police Force has been alerted. Ambrey reported ship was seized. Puntland official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the ship is under armed men’s control and is being monitored.

The Jerusalem PostPirates hijack cargo ship off Somalia, vessel heads toward coastUsNews and World ReportSuspected pirates seize vessel off Somalia, the second hijacking incident in daysSomali Pirates Hijack Another Vessel Near Garacad, UKMTO Issues WarningPiracy threat rises as another cargo ship seized off Somali coastSomali piracy activity returns: Second ship hijacked in a week in the Indian Ocean

Shipping firms and insurers urge a review of risk assessments for routes through the Somali Basin. Analysts cite economic hardship, weakened Puntland enforcement and reduced naval patrols as drivers of the renewed piracy threat.

Somali Pirates Hijack Another Vessel Near Garacad, UKMTO Issues Warning

Some reports name the vessel Sward, others omit it. Cargo is described as cement or left unspecified. Crew numbers are unverified; one source says all crew were on the bridge except two mechanics, another could not confirm the total complement.

Piracy threat rises as another cargo ship seized off Somali coast

• “The vessel is currently assessed to be under pirate control and proceeding toward the Somali coastline. The Puntland Maritime Police Force has been notified,” — Vanguard, security note

The Jerusalem Post

• “The ship is currently under the control of armed men, and we are monitoring the situation,” — Puntland Maritime Police Force official (anonymous)

Suspected pirates seize vessel off Somalia, the second hijacking incident in days

• “Due to the increased threat of possible PAG (Pirate Action Group) activity, vessels are advised to transit with caution,” — UKMTO statement

Piracy threat rises as another cargo ship seized off Somali coast

• “Piracy in this region had reduced significantly over the past decade after international naval patrols and the use of armed guards on ships.” — Skuld report

Somali Pirates Hijack Another Vessel Near Garacad, UKMTO Issues Warning

UKMTO will issue maritime alerts and urges ships to follow its guidelines. Puntland Maritime Police Force is tracking the Sward’s location and preparing a response. Insurers are expected to adjust premiums and advise routing as the threat persists.

Somali piracy activity returns: Second ship hijacked in a week in the Indian Ocean