Alert

Piracy

Aug. 31, 2026, 12:03 p.m.

ALERT 94/26 MSCIO has received information regarding an incident at 08°13'N 050°10'E, 4.5 nm South of Maraya (Eyl District), inside the territorial water of Somalia. A merchant vessel has reportedly been pirated by at least eight pirates. The crew is reported safe at this time. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident and monitoring the situation. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE01: Operation ATALANTA confirms that the merchant vessel LUTUF has been released. The incident is considered closed. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO.