Waziri Mayai Wa Maradhi
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 307
- 82
A cargo vessel en route to the Port of Mombasa has been hijacked by suspected pirates in the Indian Ocean, raising fresh concerns over maritime security along East Africa’s vital trade corridor.
The ship, identified as Sward, was reportedly seized by armed men near the coast of Somalia while sailing from Suez to Mombasa.
Maritime monitors indicate the attack occurred near Godobjiran, about six nautical miles northeast of Garacad. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident as a hijacking.
Reports show the vessel had 15 crew members onboard — two Indians and 13 Syrians. Authorities believe the pirates have taken control and may be steering the ship toward the Somali coastline, where hijacked vessels are typically held for ransom.
The incident has sparked renewed fears of piracy in the region, despite years of joint patrols involving the Kenya Defence Forces and international partners.
Kenya, alongside Seychelles, was selected in 2024 to help prosecute maritime crime suspects, highlighting the country’s growing role in regional security efforts.
The scope kenya
The ship, identified as Sward, was reportedly seized by armed men near the coast of Somalia while sailing from Suez to Mombasa.
Maritime monitors indicate the attack occurred near Godobjiran, about six nautical miles northeast of Garacad. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident as a hijacking.
Reports show the vessel had 15 crew members onboard — two Indians and 13 Syrians. Authorities believe the pirates have taken control and may be steering the ship toward the Somali coastline, where hijacked vessels are typically held for ransom.
The incident has sparked renewed fears of piracy in the region, despite years of joint patrols involving the Kenya Defence Forces and international partners.
Kenya, alongside Seychelles, was selected in 2024 to help prosecute maritime crime suspects, highlighting the country’s growing role in regional security efforts.
The scope kenya
