Securewest International Maritime Assistance Centre compiled 16 maritime incidents between 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026, which included multiple instances of piracy and armed robbery in Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria - these events underscore continued vulnerabilities for fishing vessels, yachts and merchant traffic amid seasonal increases in opportunistic attacks.
Hijacking of Fishing Vessel LIAO DONG YU 578 off Puntland, Somalia
On 1 January 2026, pirates boarded and commandeered the fishing vessel LIAO DONG YU 578 off Puntland in Somalia. This incident coincided with an increase in Somali piracy as armed groups increasingly target vessels using mother ships as platforms for attack. European Union anti-piracy naval force previously documented similar takeovers of Chinese-flagged fishing boats within this region that involved attackers armed with AK-47s and machine guns.
Somali pirates have shown the ability to operate over 1000 nautical miles from shore, creating risks in Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea shipping lanes. Vessel operators should implement stringent anti-piracy protocols involving citadel access and Best Management Practices as a deterrent against potential piracy incidents.
Hijacking of Dhow MV SULTANA 2 in Al Mukalla, Yemen.
Pirates seized the sailing dhow MV SULTANA 2 on 3 January 2026 off Al Mukalla in Yemen in the Gulf of Aden following an attack at Al Mukalla port on 30 December 2025, signalling coordinated threats in the area. Yemeni waters remain volatile due to regional instability; as such dhows frequently come under attack because of their role in local trade and fishing activities.
This incident illustrates the necessity of increasing naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden, where multiple hijackings and boardings occurred in 2025. Shipping companies passing through Bab al-Mandeb Strait should remain alert and report suspicious activities immediately.
Kidnapping at Ikang Waterways, Nigeria.
Eight passengers were abducted on 30 December 2025 along the Ikang Waterways in Nigeria, underscoring persistent kidnapping risks in the Gulf of Guinea region. Nigerian waters, such as rivers and anchorages, continue to see armed groups targeting small craft for ransom demands.
Though no merchant vessels were directly affected in this incident, it serves as a reminder of wider security challenges off West Africa, where crew kidnapping remains an imminent risk for offshore operations.
Robberies Target Yachts and Fishing Vessels Globally
Multiple incidents of robbery marred this period, including the theft of a yacht at Fort de France in Martinique on 31 December 2025; fishing vessel west of Inani Beach in Bangladesh on 1 January 2026; an unattended yacht in Admiralty Bay of Bequia Saint Vincent and Grenadines and catamaran at Rodney Bay Saint Lucia all within three weeks' time - these targeted unmanned or lightly staffed vessels located at anchorages.
Recreational and fishing craft owners are advised to employ guards, secure valuables, and illuminate decks at night in their locations in order to reduce incidents such as those seen here, which make up 16 total incidents reported so far this year.
Notable Security Events in Recent history
An attack occurred at Al Mukalla port, Yemen on 30 December 2025 that may have been connected with subsequent dhow hijacking. Also on 31 December 2025 as a general security warning Russian cargo vessel FITBURG was detained off Finland while US strikes neutralized suspected narco-vessels in the eastern Pacific killing five.
Drug interdiction efforts were successful in seizing over 30 kilograms of cocaine onboard MV ARUNA at Apapa Port, Nigeria on 2 January 2026. Migrant incidents predominated in terms of rescues and arrests off Turkey and Gambia while piracy remains the greatest trade risk.
Industry stakeholders should consult IMB and ReCAAP advisories for up-to-date updates as no Asia-specific piracy was noted in ReCAAP weekly for this period.