Image Source:Pexels

Maritime authorities have raised concern over a renewed rise in piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, saying several commercial ships have been seized in recent weeks and crew members are still being held hostage under difficult conditions. The warning was issued on May 26, 2026, by the Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA), a regional maritime security initiative under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Officials said Somali piracy remains largely contained compared to its peak years, but incidents have not fully stopped. The latest cases suggest a possible resurgence, with ships again being targeted along key global shipping routes.

Three Ships Reported Seized In Recent Weeks

According to the statement, the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, has been held since April 24, 2026, with 17 crew members on board. Two other vessels were also reported seized: the SWARD, a cargo ship flagged to Saint Kitts and Nevis, taken on April 26 with 15 crew members, and the MV Eureka, a Togo-flagged tanker, reportedly hijacked on May 2 with 12 crew members.

Authorities said the crew are facing severe hardship, including shortages of basic supplies, raising serious humanitarian concerns in addition to security risks.

Renewed Concern Over Maritime Safety In Key Trade Route

The Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia sit on one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Any disruption in this route can affect global trade flows, shipping insurance costs and delivery timelines for fuel, food and goods.

Maritime officials warned that despite years of international naval patrols, piracy risks still exist and require continued coordination between countries and security agencies.