A confirmed piracy incident is ongoing involving a bulk carrier transiting the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor, in the vicinity of 12°46′N, 048°03′E, approximately 110 nautical miles northeast of Bosaso, Somalia.
A skiff carrying heavily armed persons, reportedly including an individual equipped with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, approached and successfully boarded the vessel.
Shortly before the confirmed boarding, the vessel experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and began drifting. The Master reported that all crew members successfully retreated to the citadel and remain safe.
The incident remains ongoing. There is currently no confirmation that the perpetrators have departed the vessel or gained access to the citadel.
Key Points:
- Time and position: The incident occurred on 01 July 2026, approximately 110 nautical miles northeast of Bosaso, Somalia, within the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.
- Vessel and movement: The bulk carrier was proceeding normally at approximately 11.7–12.0 knots on a course of 066°–068° between 05:51 and 06:20 UTC.
- Loss of propulsion: At approximately 06:47 UTC, the vessel’s speed abruptly decreased to 1.1 knots and subsequently to approximately 0.4 knots.
- Latest reported movement: At 07:43 UTC, the vessel was drifting at approximately 0.8 knots on a course over ground of 093°.
- Approach profile: A single skiff carrying heavily armed persons approached the vessel. A rocket-propelled grenade launcher was reportedly observed.
- Boarding status: Armed perpetrators successfully boarded the vessel. Their number, location onboard and intentions remain unconfirmed.
- Crew status: All crew members reportedly completed a successful retreat to the citadel and remain safe and accounted for.
- Current status: The incident remains active. There is no confirmation that the perpetrators have left the vessel or breached the citadel.
Recommendations:
Primary shipboard safety measures
Maintain maximum safe speed, preserve manoeuvring room and avoid unnecessary stopping or drifting. Apply Best Management Practices Maritime Security 2025, including physical barriers, secured access points, water spray where fitted and continuous 360-degree monitoring.
Reporting requirements and channels
Immediately report suspicious craft or unusual activity through established maritime security channels and to the Company Security Officer. Provide position, course, speed, craft description, weapons observed and actions taken.
Additional security measures and drills
Confirm citadel, lockdown, alarm, propulsion, steering and emergency-communication readiness. Restrict non-essential personnel from exposed decks and brief the crew on suspicious-approach procedures.
Communications and coordination guidance
Maintain a continuous listening watch on Very High Frequency Channel 16 and ensure satellite communications remain available. Preserve radar plots, photographs and video evidence where safely possible.
Any further general guidance
Treat any armed, persistent or rapidly closing small craft as a potential piracy threat. Vessels in the vicinity should maintain a safe distance from the incident area and should not approach unless directed by the relevant authorities.
Source: Diaplous
