Somali Piracy Incidents – 21st April to 9 May 2026

Incident Details. On 9 May 2026, MSCIO released an Alert regarding the possible hijacking of a dhow near position 00°13’S 044°18’E, approximately 100nm northeast of Kismayo, Somalia. If confirmed, this is the latest in a series of recent piracy-related attacks off the Somali coast. Incident locations have ranged from the Gulf of Aden and Hafun in the north of Puntland to the latest incident near Kismayo in the south. Three commercial vessels and at least one Fishing Dhow are believed to be still under pirate control.

Fig1. Location of Incidents – 21 April-09 May 2026

Comment. It has now been confirmed that another tanker, MT EUREKA, was taken by suspected Somlai pirates off the coast of Yemen on 2 May and is thought to be now held in Somali waters. Two other ships, MT HONOUR 25 and MV SWARD, are still under pirate control; no further information has been released.   

Assessment. Given the range and location of recent incidents, we assess that more than one Somali Pirate Action Group (PAG) is likely to be active in the region. The taking of two oil tankers may indicate PAGs are trying to profit from the increase in oil prices arising from the conflict in the Persian Gulf. Regional authorities such as EUNAVOR say they are monitoring the situation. MSCIO recommends ships to proceed with caution and transit at least 150nm off the Somali coast. We advise ships to comply with the guidance in BMP-Maritime Security bmp-ms_hi-res_s.pdf and to consider using an Armed Security Team to mitigate the threat of piracy.