Somali Piracy Resurges Amid Red Sea Diversions
Multiple vessel hijackings off Somalia's coast signal a potential piracy resurgence, driven by diverted naval patrols and increased oil prices.
Lauren Collins ·
Somali Piracy Incidents Increase Off the coast of Somalia, at least three merchant vessels were targeted in hijackings this week, raising concerns among analysts about a potential resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) elevated the threat level around the Somali coast to “substantial” and advised vessels to proceed with caution.
Since April 20, three to four merchant ships have reportedly been seized near the Somali coast. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) confirmed the hijacking of the fishing vessel Alkhary 2 on April 20, which was later released.
On April 21, the tanker Honour 25, carrying approximately 18,000 barrels of oil and 17 crew members, was seized. EUNAVFOR subsequently reported monitoring the hijacking of another merchant vessel, the Sward, on April 26, which was carrying cement and had a 15-person crew.
The increase in incidents is attributed by analysts to the diversion of anti-piracy patrols from the region to the Red Sea since 2023, primarily to counter attacks by Yemen-based Houthis. Historically, piracy off Somalia peaked in the early 2000s, with the World Bank estimating an annual global economic impact of up to $18 billion during the crisis's height.
International naval coalitions significantly reduced these attacks, but the current geopolitical shifts have created new opportunities for pirate groups.