Sea-World

The "Sea World", which had beenn seized on July 19 near the coastal town of Bareeda on the Gulf of Aden, after having been observed loitering" off the coast for several days, has been released after lengthy discussions and the dispatch of a Turkish delegation to Puntland on Aug 4. The Turkish government has provided the Puntland government with proof that the cargo was belonging to it. After the investigations conducted by the Puntland government into the cargo were completed, the Puntland government has decided to transfer responsibility for the vessel and its cargo to the Turkish government The accusations of prracy were rejected by the Puntland authorities.

There was a standoff between the government of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the federal government of Somalia over the 'Sea World', which was loaded with Turkish weaponry and detained on Juyly 18, 2025 The government of Puntland insisted it was investigating the true ownership of the military hardware on the vessel, rejecting the calls by both the federal government of Somalia and Turkey to release the vessel and its cargo. The federal government in Mogadishu issued a public statement on July 23, saying it “categorically denounces the "hijacking and aggression against the Sea World, demanding the “immediate and unconditional release of the vessel,” while calling the actions of Puntland an “unlawful operation.” Puntland contended that the 'Sea World' was “loitering for two days” off the coast, raising suspicions. It apprehended the vessel, acting on intelligence and fears after a group of young fishermen had already boarded it. After being contacted by Somali traders who claimed ownership of the cargo, it moved the ship to the port of Bossaso for an investigation. Photos: https://x.com/radiodaljir/status/1946442478594224334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1946442478594224334%7Ctwgr%5E6921898b09f30f45a34d9fd1bcd96b2d400ce6be%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaritime-executive.com%2Farticle%2Fpuntland-refuses-somalia-and-turkey-s-demands-to-release-weaponry-on-ship In a statement responding to the federal government, Puntland today, July 24, says the situation is “casting doubt on the true ownership of the cargo aboard the vessel. Pictures posted on social media show a variety of trucks and military equipment loaded aboard the vessel. The federal government asserts that the equipment is legal and destined for the TURKSOM Military Training Center operated by Turkey near Mogadishu. It said there is also commercial cargo on the ship owned by Somali traders. Puntland reports it is looking into reports that some of the small arms on the vessel may have been looted in the port. Media reports show pictures of citizens handling machine guns, rifles, and pistols believed to have been taken from the ship. “The Puntland Government continues its investigation into the vessel and the rightful ownership of its cargo to ensure that the military equipment does not fall into hands that might threaten Somalia’s security and stability,” a spokesperson for Puntland said in the government’s official statement. Observers note that the autonomous state and the federal government have been at odds, and this detention of the ship is likely politically motivated. MORE TOP STORIES Poor Welding Caused Bulker to Lose its Rudder and Nearly Run Aground Greece Dispatches Salvage Tug for Rescues Off Yemen Puntland Refuses Somalia and Turkey’s Demands to Release Weaponry on Ship Drilling Rig Crushes Tug on River Weser EDITORIALS TOP STORIES Spin-Offs From the Suction Sail Op-Ed: Shipping Emissions are Rising Despite Industry Commitments Sanctions Regimes Have Been Tightened, But Enforcement Remains Patchy Fear, Pride or Miscalculation Could Start a War in the Pacific Putting More Women on Boards Is Not Enough Without Rethinking Leadership