Technology · India Bureau
Pirates seize cargo vessel with six Indian crew off Somali coast
A commercial cargo ship has been hijacked by pirates in waters off Somalia, with six Indian nationals among the 10-member crew. The vessel was transporting military equipment and communications gear bound for Mogadishu.
LSN India ·
Pirate forces have seized a cargo vessel off the coast of Somalia, marking the latest maritime security incident in the strategically important shipping corridor. The hijacked ship, operated by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying military weaponry destined for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu, along with advanced communications and satellite equipment.
The vessel's 10-member crew includes six Indian nationals, one Turkish citizen, one Georgian crew member, and two Serbian security personnel, according to maritime officials. The capture underscores ongoing piracy challenges in the region despite international naval patrols and security measures.
The incident reflects persistent threats to commercial shipping in the Horn of Africa, where pirate networks have periodically targeted vessels transiting major trade routes. The Indian crew members' involvement in the hijacking adds to regional concerns about maritime safety in the area.
Authorities in the region are assessing the situation and coordinating response efforts. The seizure comes as shipping companies continue to navigate heightened risks when operating in Somali waters, where security incidents have disrupted global trade patterns and prompted increased military presence from international naval forces.