A cargo vessel has been boarded and taken under the control of eight armed individuals off Somalia, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The incident occurred 4 nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia, on 17 August 2026.
Eight armed individuals board vessel
UKMTO said the vessel’s Company Security Officer (CSO) reported that eight armed unauthorised persons boarded the cargo vessel and took control of it.
Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO has not provided further information on the vessel’s identity, crew status or circumstances surrounding the boarding.
The incident has been classified by UKMTO as a hijacking.
Vessels operating in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
