UKMTO: Unknown assailants seize vessel off Somalia coast

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that unidentified individuals have taken control of a vessel off the coast of Somalia in a new maritime security incident.

According to UKMTO, the seizure occurred approximately 45 nautical miles northeast of Mereyo. Military authorities had earlier informed the agency that unknown individuals had boarded and taken control of a tanker, subsequently redirecting it around 77 nautical miles south into Somali territorial waters. The vessel’s last recorded position was off Somalia’s southeastern coast, Caliber.Az reports, citing the statement on X.

UKMTO WARNING 045-26

Click here to read the full warning⤵️https://t.co/pCiiWSiasR#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/r8ra9stUJa

— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) April 25, 2026

In a separate development, UKMTO also reported another suspicious incident earlier in the same region. Around 83 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, the captain of a cargo vessel reported that two boats carrying armed individuals approached the ship.

The crew responded by firing warning shots, after which the approaching boats withdrew and departed the area without closing in on the vessel.

By Tamilla Hasanova