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UK Escalates Somali Piracy Alert Following Vessel Hijack

4/28/2026

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UK Maritime Alerts

UK Maritime Trade Operations raised the piracy threat level in Somali waters to substantial after recent attacks.
Unauthorized persons seized a cargo ship, steering it into Somalia’s territorial waters six nautical miles off Garacad on Sunday.
In the week, at least four vessels—including a fishing boat and oil tanker Honour 25—were targeted.
Officials warned conditions favor small-boat piracy, noting crew warning shots forced two attackers to withdraw.

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Pirates Hijack Carrier

Pirates are leveraging GPS and satellite communications while naval patrols are stretched thin, enabling attacks farther offshore.
The carrier Sward was hijacked near Garacad, Somalia, but warning shots forced pirates to withdraw, leaving ship under crew control.
Two earlier vessel seizures this week have sparked fears of a piracy resurgence.
Pirates received a khat shipment from Galkayo, indicating a land-based network supporting extended sieges.

History

Historical Context

In December 2009 the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1851, authorizing multinational naval patrols off Somalia in the Indian Ocean. After international forces reduced attacks, UK Maritime Trade Operations now recently warns that GPS-guided skiffs near Garacad have seized the cargo ship Honour 25, prompting NATO and Somali authorities to discuss renewed joint patrols.

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UK Maritime Alerts

UK Maritime Trade Operations raised the piracy threat level in Somali waters to substantial after recent attacks.
Unauthorized persons seized a cargo ship, steering it into Somalia’s territorial waters six nautical miles off Garacad on Sunday.
In the week, at least four vessels—including a fishing boat and oil tanker Honour 25—were targeted.
Officials warned conditions favor small-boat piracy, noting crew warning shots forced two attackers to withdraw.

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