Two vessels have been hijacked off Somalia in less than a week, prompting warnings from UKMTO and the Joint Maritime Information Center about renewed pirate activity, reported the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

UKMTO stated that a cargo ship was seized six nautical miles northeast of Garacad on 26 April and was forced into Somali waters. On 21 April, six gunmen hijacked the Palau-flagged tanker Honour 25, which was carrying 17 crew members and 18,500 barrels of oil, approximately 30 nautical miles offshore.

Military authorities confirmed that the tanker was maneuvered 77 nautical miles south within Somali waters. UKMTO urged vessels to transit with caution and to report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.

JMIC raised its threat level for the Somali Coast and Basin to substantial, warning of a strong possibility of attack. It reported that pirates are currently holding an oil-products tanker and noted the presence of a Pirate Action Group active in the basin.

Additionally, JMIC cited the hijacking of a Somali fishing vessel near Xaafuun on 23 April and an attempted armed boarding 83 nautical miles off Eyl, providing further evidence of increased pirate activity.

Somali piracy plagued shipping between 2008 and 2011, peaking with over 200 attacks in 2011. Pirates typically hijacked vessels and held crews for ransom.

This resurgence comes as shipping faces multiple threats. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, leaving nearly 1,000 ships and 20,000 crew members stranded in the Gulf. JMIC rates the threat level in the wider region as critical.

The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb also face potential risks from Houthi forces aligned with Iran, although no recent attacks have been reported. JMIC maintains a moderate threat level in that area.