Resurgence of Somali Piracy Evident in Recent Hijackings

Three vessels were seized off Somalia’s coast. The oil tanker Honour 25 (?18 000–18 500 barrels) was hijacked on 21 April about 30 NM offshore and later anchored near Xaafun. A fishing dhow taken on 25 April was used as a mothership. The cement carrier Sward was boarded on 26 April six nautical miles northeast of Garacad and steered into Somali waters.

Pirates Seize Second Vessel Off Somalia’s Coast As Maritime Threat Level Rises To Substantial

Somali piracy peaked in 2011 with 212 attacks, prompting an EU-led naval coalition that cut incidents to fewer than five per year after 2014. Since 2023 attacks have risen, coinciding with Red Sea tensions and the Hormuz closure. In the week of 21-27 April 2026, four vessels were targeted. Reports differ on Sward’s crew (17 (15 Syrian, 2 Indian) or 15 bridge crew plus two mechanics) and on pirate numbers (six, nine or twenty).

Three vessels hijacked off Somalia in a week, raising fears of piracy resurgence

The Horn of Africa links the Red Sea, Suez Canal and Indian Ocean, forming a critical maritime corridor. Renewed piracy could force ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, raising fuel use, transit times and insurance costs. Coupled with the Hormuz blockage and Houthi attacks, the security strain threatens regional economies and could lift fuel prices in Somalia’s capital.

Pirates Seize Second Vessel Off Somalia’s Coast As Maritime Threat Level Rises To Substantial

The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean urged ships to keep heightened vigilance within 150 NM of the Somali coast. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations raised the threat level to “substantial” and advised Best Management Practices. Puntland Maritime Police Force confirmed the Sward is under pirate control and is being monitored. EU Operation Atalanta reported continued aerial and surface surveillance.

Pirates Seize Second Vessel Off Somalia’s Coast As Maritime Threat Level Rises To SubstantialSecond vessel hijacked off Somalia, raising fears of piracy resurgenceThe Straits TimesPirates hijack cargo ship off Somalia, vessel heads toward coast

Senior researcher Jethro Norman of the Danish Institute for International Studies warned pirates are exploiting the diversion of naval assets to the Red Sea. He said, “Pirate networks are testing the waters again and they are better equipped than the last generation,” citing GPS, satellite links and hijacked mother-ships as force multipliers.

Three vessels hijacked off Somalia in a week, raising fears of piracy resurgenceThe GuardianPirates seize another vessel off Somali coast as threat level increasedTwin Hijackings Off Somalia Signal Dangerous Escalation in Pirate ResurgenceThe Straits TimesSecond vessel hijacked off Somalia, raising fears of piracy resurgenceSomali Pirates Hijack Another Vessel Near Garacad, UKMTO Issues Warning

• “All incidents remain ongoing …,” — Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO)

The Guardian

• “He’s not only speaking with the crew but also dealing with the owner of the ship,” — Puntland security official

The Guardian

• “Pirate networks are testing the waters again and they are better equipped than the last generation. GPS, satellite communications and hijacked dhow motherships let them operate hundreds of miles offshore.” — Jethro Norman, senior researcher

The Guardian

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

Pirates Seize Second Vessel Off Somalia’s Coast As Maritime Threat Level Rises To Substantial

International navies are reviewing patrol allocations as the “substantial” threat level persists. Shipping firms are urged to update risk assessments, consider armed escorts and follow Best Management Practices. Ongoing monitoring by MSCIO, UKMTO and Operation Atalanta will determine whether the hijackings are a temporary spike or a sustained resurgence.

Second vessel hijacked off Somalia, raising fears of piracy resurgence