Alert

Piracy

April 28, 2026, 11:28 a.m.

ALERT 38/26 MSCIO has received information that a merchant vessel was hijacked on 26 April 2026 at position 07°13’N, 049°32’E and is currently under the control of armed individuals. MSCIO is also aware of a dhow that was hijacked on 25 April 2026, approximately 10 nautical miles off Dhinowda, Somalia. These two incidents are assessed as potentially linked. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain a heightened level of vigilance, comply with BMP-MS guidance, particularly within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report any suspicious activity to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE01: Operation Atalanta is currently investigating and monitoring three ongoing piracy-related incidents: the hijacking of a merchant vessel on 26 April 2026 in position 07°13’N 049°32’E; the hijacking of a dhow on 25 April 2026 approximately 10 nautical miles off Dhinowda, Somalia in position 07°00’N 049°00’E; and the pirated M/T HONOUR 25 – IMO 1099735 on 21 April 2026 in position 08°57’N 050°34’E. All incidents remain ongoing. ATALANTA forces are monitoring the events. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report any suspicious activity to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE02: Operation ATALANTA assets have confirmed that M/V SWARD was hijacked on 26 April 2026 in position 07°13’N 049°32’E and is currently under the control of armed individuals. The incident remains ongoing and is being monitored by Operation ATALANTA assets. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report any suspicious activity to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE03: Operation ATALANTA assets continue to monitor the hijack of M/V SWARD (IMO: 9174244) in position 07°13’N 049°32’E and M/T HONOUR 25 (IMO: 1099735) in position 08°57’N 050°34’E, maintaining continuous situational awareness and working in close coordination with local authorities. Both incidents remain ongoing. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report any suspicious activity to MSCIO and UKMTO.