On April 27, 2026, a cargo vessel carrying cement was commandeered by suspected pirates off the coast of Somalia. According to a local maritime security official, the hijacking took place near the town of Garacad in the Puntland region. The ship had departed from Egypt and was en route to Mombasa, Kenya when it was seized approximately six nautical miles northeast of Garacad.
Reports indicate that nine armed individuals boarded and took control of the vessel. The Puntland Maritime Police Force is currently monitoring the situation but has not specified how many crew members were on board at the time of the attack.
This incident marks the second hijacking in a week, as another oil tanker was seized just days prior. On April 24, an oil tanker was captured by pirates near Puntland, intensifying concerns over the resurgence of piracy in the region. Piracy off the Somali coast, once rampant, had seen a decline over the past decade due to enhanced international naval patrols and improved maritime security. However, recent events suggest a troubling comeback, highlighting ongoing risks for vessels navigating these waters.
Authorities and shipping organizations are closely watching these developments as they raise alarms over maritime safety and potential disruptions in shipping lanes vital for regional trade.
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