Armed men hijack cargo vessel off Somalia

A cargo vessel has been boarded and taken under the control of eight armed individuals off Somalia , according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred 4 nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia , on 17 August 2026. Eight armed individuals board vessel UKMTO said the vessel’s Company Security Officer (CSO) reported that eight armed unauthorised persons boarded the cargo vessel and took control of it . Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO has not provided further information on the vessel’s identity, crew status or circumstances surrounding the boarding.