By Shire Abdi - Reporter
United Kingdom, 25 April 2026 The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation reported a suspected hijacking off Somalia’s coast after unauthorised individuals took control of a tanker,
The incident occurred about 45 nautical miles northeast of Mareero, UKMTO said, citing military authorities.
Military authorities reported that the vessel was seized by unidentified individuals and manoeuvred approximately 77 nautical miles south within Somali territorial waters, according to the advisory.
The vessel’s last known position was reported offshore Somalia(08°56N 050°32E), the warning said.
UKMTO said it would continue to monitor the situation and advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The report was issued on April 25 and was based on information received on April 21, the advisory said.
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Separately, UKMTO said on Thursday it had received a report of another suspicious incident about 83 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia.
The master of a cargo vessel reported that two small craft carrying armed individuals approached the ship. One of the craft came within 600 metres, during which warning shots were fired and the suspicious vessel returned fire.
The craft later moved away and kept clear of the reporting vessel, UKMTO said.
Mareero is a coastal location in northeastern Somalia, near the port city of Bosaso, a key commercial hub.
Maritime security incidents off Somalia’s coast have declined in recent years, but occasional hijacking-related incidents continue to be reported.