Somalia authorities have deployed some security off its territorial waters amid an uptick in piracy attacks [Getty]
Efforts are ongoing to free 16 Syrian sailors who were taken captive during the hijacking of a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia on Sunday – an incident that highlights the fragility of the security situation of maritime routes along the Horn of Africa.
The Syrian Seafarers’ Syndicate said on Tuesday that it was in contact with the relevant international parties to secure their release, adding that the organisation was able to establish contact with all those on board and that all were in good health.
The hijacking is reported to have taken place at dawn on Sunday when the St.Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel was attacked approximately six nautical miles from Somalia’s Garacad region.
The UK Maritime Trade Organisations (UKMTO) said ten gunmen are believed to have attacked the Cargo Vessel named “Sward” aboard three small boats before being redirected into Somali territorial waters.
According to open data on maritime platforms, the oil-products tanker is a public cargo ship built in 1998 that was en route to the port of Mombasa in Kenya, where it was expected to arrive on 1 May. Its last recorded location was in the Arabian Sea approximately 12 days ago.
This latest incident prompted UKMTO to increase its threat level for the Somali Coast to “Substantial” due to what it described as an active “Pirate Action Group” reported to be operating in the Somali Basin.
It further urged vessels attempting to transit in its vicinity to remain vigilant, review updated guidance, and report any suspicious activities in light of an uptick in attacks.
The UK-based maritime organisation recorded three similar attempts at hijacking in the 72 hours prior to this latest seizure, including the hijacking of a Somali-flagged fishing vessel near Xaafuun and the armed boarding of an oil-products tanker in the same area.
The uptick in piracy acts highlights security challenges in the waters off the coast of Somalia – one of the most important international sea lanes.
