Misbar Reports Surge in Piracy Activity Near Somalia Coast

Recently, piracy incidents have surged along the Somali coast following the interception of the oil product tanker “HONOUR 25” and the cargo vessel “SWARD,” both of which were forced to alter course toward Somalia’s shoreline, according to data from the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Centre (MSCIO).

The region also recorded the theft of a dhow and an attempted armed attack on another vessel in an effort to seize control of it.

Misbar’s team at Al Araby TV has been monitoring these incidents using maritime security data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and MSCIO, along with open-source vessel tracking data, to reconstruct a timeline of key events and trace the routes ships took prior to interception.

Warnings of Piracy Activity Near Somalia Coast

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued several warnings this week regarding piracy activity near the Somali coast. On April 21, the center reported that “unauthorized persons” had taken control of an oil product tanker northeast of Marió, Somalia.

Two days later, it issued another advisory on suspicious activity 83 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia.

According to the statement, a vessel came under fire from a suspicious boat during an attempted boarding. The crew responded with warning shots, forcing the boat to withdraw. The vessel then continued its voyage safely.

On April 25, the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Centre (MSCIO) reported the theft of a dhow about 10 nautical miles off the Somali coast near Denuda.

The following day, April 26, UKMTO reported a piracy incident 6 nautical miles northeast of Garacad, Somalia, where “unauthorized persons” seized a cargo vessel and forced it to alter course toward Somali territorial waters.

Maritime security centers have urged vessels operating in the area to remain highly vigilant amid a series of incidents in a short period.

Navigation Data of Hijacked Vessels

Based on monitoring by the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Centre (MSCIO) of the interception of the vessels “HONOUR 25” and “SWARD,” Misbar’s team analyzed their navigation data using the MarineTraffic platform to track their routes before and after the piracy incidents.

Vessel “HONOUR 25”

The vessel is an oil product tanker with IMO number 1099735, sailing under the flag of Palau. It has a deadweight tonnage of 3,089 tons, and a current draft of 6.8 meters, suggesting it was not empty at the time of the incident.

Tracking data shows the tanker departed from ports in the United Arab Emirates in early April. It sailed along the eastern and southern coasts of Oman toward Mogadishu, its declared destination. Its course later shifted abruptly toward the Dorodora area on the Somali coast, coinciding with a maritime alert reporting its seizure.

Vessel “SWARD”

SWARD is a cargo vessel with IMO number 9174244, sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It has a deadweight tonnage of 8,501 tons and a current draft of 6.8 meters, indicating it was likely carrying cargo at the time of the incident.

Tracking data shows the vessel listed Mombasa, Kenya, as its final destination after departing Egyptian ports in early April. It crossed the Red Sea and made a two-day stop at the Somali port of Berbera before continuing along the Somali coast, where it was hijacked on April 26. It later appeared anchored near the Somali town of Denuda.

Syrian Sailors Detained Aboard “SWARD”

Local Syrian reports said Syrian sailors are among the crew detained aboard the vessel “SWARD.” The Syrian Seafarers Union and Maritime Workers issued a statement saying the vessel, which carries 16 Syrian sailors, was targeted in a piracy incident in a region known for maritime piracy.

The union said all crew members are in good condition and remain stable, continuing their daily routines. It added that no injuries or mistreatment have been reported, and that negotiations are ongoing for the release of the vessel and its crew.

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