Vessel Hijacked by Somali Pirates – Garacad, Somalia

Incident Details. UKMTO has issued Warning 046-26 regarding the boarding of a cargo vessel 6nm northeast of Garacad, Somalia. The warning stated that unauthorised persons had taken control of a cargo vessel, which had been re-directed into Somalian territorial waters. UKMTO advised that due to the increased threat of possible PAG activity, vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities investigate.

Fig1. Location of Incident – 6nm northeast of Garacad, Somalia

Comment. This is the fourth incident in the last week attributed to suspected Somali Pirate Action Groups (PAG) operating off the coast of northern Somalia. Reports indicate the vessel involved in this latest incident is the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship, SWARD. The vessel was reported to be under pirate control and moving closer inshore. Regional authorities are investigating.

Assessment. Due to the range and location of recent incidents, we assess that more than one Somali PAG is likely to be currently active in the area. Events have occurred near Hafun in the north of Puntland to Garacad near the regional border with Galmudug. Ships operating in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to comply with the guidance in BMP-Maritime Security bmp-ms_hi-res_s.pdf and to consider using an Armed Security Team to best mitigate the threat from pirate activity.