An oil tanker, Honour 25, has been hijacked by armed pirates approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, with the incident confirmed by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Incident Overview
The hijacking occurred late Wednesday when six armed individuals boarded and took control of the vessel while underway. The tanker was carrying approximately 18,500 barrels of oil and was bound for Mogadishu.
The vessel is currently anchored off the Somali coast between Xaafun and Bander Beyla, with additional armed personnel reported onboard, indicating consolidation of pirate control.
Crew Composition
- Total Crew: 17
- 10 Pakistani nationals
- 4 Indonesian nationals
- 1 Indian national
- 1 Sri Lankan national
- 1 Myanmar national
Voyage Background
The vessel departed Berbera (Somaliland) on 20 February, later operating near the Strait of Hormuz, before altering course on 2 April toward Somalia.
Escalation – Multiple Incidents
- UKMTO has reported a second tanker hijacking approximately 45 NM northeast of Mareeyo, Somalia
- Last Known Position: 08°56’N, 050°32’E
- Third Incident (Attempted Hijack):
A vessel identified as SWARD was approached and boarded by armed individuals near the Godobjiran area.- The vessel owner has notified the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF)
- The vessel is currently reported to be proceeding toward the shoreline under duress
Within the last 72 hours, two vessels have been successfully hijacked, with a third under threat, indicating a rapid and coordinated resurgence of piracy activity in the region.
Security Assessment
This marks a serious escalation in Somali piracy, expanding targets from fishing vessels to commercial tankers and merchant ships. Immediate concerns include:
- Safety of crew onboard all affected vessels
- Disruption to fuel and cargo supply chains into Mogadishu
- Heightened risk across the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden
Advisory to Mariners
All vessels transiting high-risk areas are strongly advised to:
- Implement BMP5 anti-piracy measures without exception
- Maintain maximum bridge vigilance and radar watch
- Report immediately to UKMTO / MSCHOA
- Deploy Armed Security Teams where permitted
Avoid close coastal routing where feasible
