Hijacking and vessel capture raise piracy concerns

Countries urge coordinated action

A spate of hijackings and armed robberies over the last two months have put at least 44 crewmembers at risk and raised concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the off the coast of Somalia.

The Signatory States of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) have expressed concern about the continued detention of the tanker MT Honour as well as the plight of the 17 crewmembers on board the vessel, which was reportedly captured by pirates in April this year.

The plight the crewmembers, who remain in captivity under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, are reportedly in desperate need of assistance, with onboard provisions now critically low.

As the Chair of the DCoC/JA, South Africa, has highlighted that although Somali piracy remains suppressed, it has not been eradicated.

The latest development reinforces this as a reality: despite the progress achieved in recent years, maritime security gains remain fragile and continue to require sustained vigilance, operational coordination, and collective international engagement.

The Signatory States further express deep concern regarding the fate and wellbeing of the crew members onboard the other vessels currently being held by pirates and armed robbers in the region, namely the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel Sward, reportedly hijacked on 26 April 2026 with 15 crew members onboard, and the Togo-flagged oil tanker MV Eureka, reportedly hijacked on 2 May 2026 with 12 crew members onboard.

The continued captivity of these seafarers further underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and reinforces the urgent need for strengthened regional and international cooperation to secure the safe release of all affected crew members and prevent further incidents.

South Africa has expressed support of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) recent comments which highlighted the renewed threat of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and emphasized the urgent need for practical and coordinated action.

Signatory States delivered several interventions during the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), to address piracy. Kenya, highlighted the importance of the Djibouti Code of Conduct Working Group 3 (WG3), which Member States established to drive policy discussions aimed at enabling regional States to contribute more effectively to addressing maritime security threats through strengthened operational cooperation and coordination at sea.

States are calling on the Federal Government of Somalia to work with relevant regional and international partners to facilitate the safe and immediate release of the vessel and crew members and to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and humane treatment. They are also calling on the international community, including naval forces operating in the region, international organisations, and maritime security partners, to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the crew members and preventing further acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

PHOTO: States are also calling on the international community, including naval forces operating in the region, international organisations, and maritime security partners, to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the crew members and preventing further acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. (© Adobe Photostock Licence)

Collaborative efforts needed to address maritime security