Alert

Piracy

July 2, 2026, 3:10 p.m.

ALERT 69/26 MSCIO has received information regarding an incident involving a bulk carrier transiting the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), approximately 110NM northeast of Bosaso, Somalia. A single skiff carrying well-armed persons, reportedly equipped with an RPG, approached the vessel. The vessel reportedly stopped, while the crew proceeded to the citadel, activated the distress alert, and switched on AIS. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. UPDATE01: MSCIO has established contact with the Master of the vessel and the Company Security Officer (CSO), and continues to liaise as required. After leaving the citadel, the crew confirmed that all personnel were safe. Damage to the vessel was reported. The crew initially reported no signs of pirates onboard. However, after observing boarding ladders still attached to the vessel’s side, they returned to the citadel as a precautionary measure. The Master assessed that four pirates had boarded the vessel. Based on additional reporting, it is considered likely that the same Pirate Action Group (PAG) is attempting to board another merchant vessel in the vicinity. Operation ATALANTA continues to investigate the incident. UPDATE02: MSCIO has received additional reporting indicating that another merchant vessel in the vicinity was pursued by a skiff carrying four armed persons onboard. Based on the proximity of both incidents, the timing, and the description of the skiff, it is assessed to be highly likely that the same Pirate Action Group (PAG) was involved. The skiff subsequently discontinued the pursuit and was last reported proceeding on a course of 223° at approximately 16 knots, in position 12°36'N 048°14'E, at 12:52 UTC. Operation ATALANTA continues to investigate the incident. UPDATE03: MSCIO has received confirmation that the crew is safe and that the vessel is under the crew’s control. No pirates are reported to be onboard. The vessel has resumed navigation. Operation ATALANTA continues to monitor the situation, as the Pirate Action Group may still remain active in the area. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO.