Mogadishu, Somalia – A merchant vessel sailing east of Mogadishu narrowly escaped an attempted boarding by four unidentified individuals on Monday, in what maritime authorities described as a concerning reminder of the enduring threats in the waters off Somalia.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ship’s crew remained safe after the incident and continued its voyage to the next port of call. Details about the vessel’s flag, cargo, or route were not immediately disclosed, but early reports indicate that the attempt occurred in international waters, several nautical miles from the Somali coastline.
Security officials have launched an investigation into the event, seeking to determine whether the group involved was linked to piracy or other criminal activity. Although piracy incidents in Somali waters have decreased significantly over the past decade, occasional attempts such as this underscore ongoing risks faced by commercial shipping in the region.
The UKMTO has issued an advisory urging vessels transiting near Somalia to maintain heightened vigilance, especially in the waters east and northeast of Mogadishu. The organization continues to coordinate with local and international partners to track maritime security developments and ensure the safety of seafarers operating in the Indian Ocean corridor.
The latest incident serves as a reminder that despite years of improved naval patrols and international cooperation, the specter of piracy remains a concern in one of the world’s most strategic maritime zones.