The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an advisory to shipping after receiving reports of an incident 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, in Somalia.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said it received a report from a company security officer (CSO) about an incident on an unnamed vessel on Tuesday morning.

“Authorities are investigating,” UKMTO said in a statement, without revealing details about the name of the ship.

The company security officer reported that multiple persons from two craft, one large and one small, boarded the vessel.

UKMTO in its report yesterday said that unauthorised persons have control of the vessel. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

There were also reports yesterday that 20 armed pirates are onboard the vessel and that ATALANTA assets have made contact with the captain of the merchant ship. The captain confirms that there are 20 pirates on board and that the ship’s crew are not in the Citadel.

Pirate activities have reemerged along the coast of Somalia, marking a resurgence after several years of diminishing incidents.

Ships are now advised to be vigilant in case of a sighting and implement counter-piracy Best Management Practices.

A new report has been released about the recent piracy events in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin by the European Union Naval Force (Eunavfor).

The Atalanta piracy situation report published on February 23 reveals that five groups of pirates may be operating in the eastern Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin.

“Cinematic considerations and the provided data suggest the possible activity of five Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) in the eastern Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin, with their operational range extending north of Eyl up to a distance of 1000 nautical miles,” the EU naval force warns.

As it is revealed, pirates are likely operating from Mother Boats, scouting for targets in areas with favorable sea conditions for boarding.

These remote locations are less likely to be patrolled by international forces. Pirates typically approach vessels to assess the presence of armed security teams onboard before attempting to board.

The report warns that “vessels transiting through this area should consider adopting enhanced security measures and maintaining communication with MSCHOA and UKMTO to stay informed about potential threats and updates.”

Source: UKMTO, European Union Naval Force (Eunavfor).