Working Conditions Aboard the Sward

**Title: Surge in Pirate Activity Near Somali Coast: Multiple Hijackings Reported** In a worrying development for maritime security, the bulk carrier 'Sward' was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 26, 2026. Following its capture, the vessel was transferred into Somalia's territorial waters the next day, April 27. The crew, comprising 15 individuals including two Indian nationals and 12 Syrian seafarers, were en route from Adabiya to Mombasa when the incident occurred. The latest reports indicate a concerning pattern of piracy resurgence in the region. On May 1, 2026, the bulk carrier 'New Venture' found itself under threat by a speedboat, manned by seven heavily armed pirates wielding an RPG, approximately 92 nautical miles southwest of Mukalla, within the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). The following day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) was alerted to a suspicious approach toward another bulk carrier, located 84 nautical miles southwest of Al Mukalla. The vessel's master reported a green-hulled skiff closing in to within 500 meters, accompanied by a white fishing boat. These incidents are part of a disturbing trend, as the month of April witnessed the hijacking of two vessels. Notably, the tanker 'Honour 25' was captured off the Somali coast on April 21. In addition, on May 2, the Togo-flagged tanker 'Eureka' was boarded by armed pirates while anchored in the Port of Sana, demonstrating the growing threat facing shipping interests in the region. As the EU NAVFOR is closely monitoring these vessels, the resurgence of piracy raises urgent concerns for navigational safety along this pivotal maritime route, prompting calls for renewed vigilance among shipping companies operating in the area.

On Aug 8, 2025, at around 8 a.m. UTC, the 'Sward', en route from Zonguldak to Yemen, suffered an engine failure off the Haydarpaşa Breakwater during the transit of the Istanbul Strait and requested assistance. The response was coordinated by the Istanbul Vessel Traffic Services Center. Under the guidance of a strait pilot, the ship was taken in tow by the tugs 'Kurtarma 5' (IMO: 9463164) and 'Kurtarma 7' (IMO: 9598608). it was safely moored at the Ahırkapı Anchorage in pos. 40° 59' N 028° 58' E at around 9 a.m. Report with photo: https://x.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1953755027366936817