Armed Pirates Board And Hijack Another Dhow Off Somali Coast

A possible hijacking of a dhow has been reported off the southern coast of Somalia, just hours after maritime authorities warned of increased pirate activity in the region.

The incident, which is under investigation, is believed to have taken place near position 00°13’S 044°18’E on 09 May 2026, while the vessel was transiting towards Kismayo.

The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) confirmed receiving reports that the dhow was boarded and possibly taken over by an armed piracy group.

The Operation ATALANTA is currently investigating the situation in coordination with regional maritime security authorities and partners.

The incident occurred shortly after an earlier alert issued on 8 May, warning that another Pirate Action Group (PAG) could attempt a hijacking in waters near 09°50’N 050°54’E.

Vessels had been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and follow BMP-MS procedures, particularly within 150 nautical miles off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun, and to report suspicious activity to both MSCIO and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Increased Pirate Activity

According to MSCIO updates, the suspected seizure involved a dhow operating in waters off southern Somalia.

The vessel was reportedly inbound for Kismayo when it was boarded and taken over by armed individuals believed to be linked to piracy networks.

Authorities have noted that pirate groups in the region have increasingly used small dhows as “motherships” to extend their operational reach and blend into normal coastal traffic, making detection more difficult.

In response, MSCIO and Operation ATALANTA have renewed calls for merchant vessels to maintain strict security measures, especially in high-risk waters off Somalia.

Shipping operators have also been urged to avoid the area where possible and remain on high alert within the designated risk zone between Mogadishu and Hafun.

Earlier Warning and Ongoing Threat

The May 11 report came shortly after intelligence suggested that a Pirate Action Group had been preparing for potential attacks in the region.

The proximity between the warning and the reported hijacking has led to increased concern among maritime security agencies.

Recent reports also indicate heightened vigilance among commercial shipping operators.

Some vessels have been displaying armed security teams when approached by skiffs, while others have reportedly fired warning shots after attempted boarding incidents.

Earlier in the week, reports suggested that a pirate group abandoned a dhow after failing to intercept a merchant vessel.

The group was believed to be running low on supplies, with increased merchant vigilance reducing available targets.

However, despite these preventive measures, piracy incidents continue to emerge in the region.

In a separate case last weekend, a small tanker was reportedly boarded after an initial skiff withdrawal.

Operation ATALANTA assets later confirmed the hijacking of the tanker vessel Eureka, a 3,353-dwt tanker registered in Togo.

The vessel was believed to be taken towards the Somali coastline, where other captured vessels were also reportedly being held.

Security Advisory for Merchant Shipping

Maritime authorities continue to emphasise adherence to BMP-MS (Best Management Practices) for protection against piracy.

Vessels are strongly advised to maintain vigilance, report all suspicious activity, and operate with enhanced security measures while transiting high-risk waters.

The advisory remains in effect for vessels operating within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coastline, particularly between Mogadishu and Hafun, where piracy risks remain active.

The region off Somalia remains a high-risk piracy zone where small craft such as dhows and skiffs are reportedly used by armed groups for boarding operations.

These vessels allow attackers to blend into local maritime traffic before attempting to intercept merchant ships.

BMP-MS (Best Management Practices) refers to internationally recognised guidance used by merchant vessels in piracy-prone areas.

It includes enhanced watchkeeping, speed adjustments, evasive manoeuvres, and coordination with maritime security centres such as MSCIO and UKMTO.

Reference: mscio