Armed men boarded a Liberian-flagged ship bound for Bahrain off the coast of Somalia, two coast guard agencies said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British maritime security company Ambry said on Thursday that “armed individuals” had reportedly boarded a bulk carrier south-east of Eir, Somalia.
The ship was bound for Khalifa bin Salman port in Bahrain, Ambry’s statement said.
UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident which is currently being investigated by authorities.
“Vessels are advised to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the notice said.
Other details about the ship were not immediately available.
The incident comes amid an increase in pirate attacks and a deal between al-Shabab and Somali pirates operating off the coast of Somalia, in which the insurgents offer protection in exchange for a ship ransom. It happened in the midst of an alleged incident.
Although the group has not yet formally confirmed the agreement, it threatens to end a lull in piracy attacks. He will reportedly receive 30 percent of the entire ransom proceeds.
In December, pirates captured the MV Ruen and its 18 crew members.
Shipping companies, including global giant Maersk, have suspended ship operations to avoid transiting the Red Sea as Houthi attacks increase and militants attack Israeli ships or military and commercial ships believed to be bound for Israel. They also make recommendations.
Ships will instead be routed through the Cape of Good Hope, potentially leading to increased traffic off the coast of Somalia.
In response to attacks on Israel by the Hamas-aligned Houthis, the United States sent additional warships to the region and established a joint maritime task force.
On Thursday, the Houthis fired a drone at a U.S. commercial ship in the Red Sea, the latest of several attacks on U.S. military and commercial vessels.
The U.S. government said the missile did not land near the ship and confirmed that there were no U.S. Navy personnel on board the U.S. commercial vessel in the area.
Updated: January 4, 2024, 4:11 p.m.