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Economy

Lanun hijacks cargo ship off Somalia coast

Somali pirates seize cargo ship off coast, first incident in months

Source: Utusan Malaysia · August 17, 2026 at 10:01 PM · AI-assisted report

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Lanun hijacks cargo ship off Somalia coast
Image: utusan.com.my

SOMALIA, 18 AUGUST 2026 —

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Somali pirates seize cargo ship off coast, first incident in months

Market Impact

NAIROBI, Aug 17 — Somali pirates have seized a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia, marking the latest incident in a resurgence of maritime attacks in the Horn of Africa region. Eight individuals boarded and took control of a merchant vessel near Marraye, Somalia, according to warnings issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) – Operation Atalanta, without naming the vessel.

“The crew is reported safe as of now,” EUNAVFOR said in a statement.

Pirate activity off Somalia surged in the 2000s, peaking in 2011, before declining significantly due to international naval patrols and enhanced commercial shipping tactics. However, incidents have increased again this year.

In April and May, three tankers carrying oil and fertilizer were seized and remain held off Somalia’s coast. A chemical tanker was also hijacked in Yemeni waters and brought to Somalia in July.

The attacks heighten risks for shipping in the Red Sea, a critical trade route since Iran restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz on the Arabian Peninsula’s opposite side.

Malaysia impact limited so far Details not yet available on whether Malaysian-flagged or operated vessels are affected. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has not issued advisories as of filing.

Outlook remains cautious Analysts warn the resurgence could disrupt global supply chains, particularly for energy and fertilizer shipments transiting the Red Sea. The EUNAVFOR has not confirmed whether military intervention is planned.

No further details on the hijacked vessel’s cargo or nationality were provided.

Related: UKMTO · Somalia

Reporting based on Utusan Malaysia. Figures and claims are subject to revision as the story develops. DomainFork publishes editorial context, not investment advice — see our editorial standards.