An unnamed cargo ship has been boarded by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia, marking the latest incident amid a resurgence of piracy in the area.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and EU Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) both issued alerts that the vessel had been boarded by at least eight-armed individuals who have taken control of the vessel.
“The crew is reported safe at this time,” the MSCIO said.
According to UKMTO, the incident took place 4 nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia.
MSCIO has received information regarding an incident at 08°13’N 050°10’E, 4.5 nautical miles South of Maraya (Eyl District), inside the territorial water of Somalia.
Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident and monitoring the situation. The UKMTO post advised vessels “to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.”
MSCIO also advised vessels operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150 nautical miles off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO.
The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) is committed to supporting the shipping industry in one of the world’s most vital regions, the Western Indian Ocean.
