Somali pirates have released the MV Sward near Garacad after holding the vessel and its 17 crew members for months, amid renewed concerns over rising piracy off Somalia’s coast.
The vessel was released near Garacad in Puntland with all 17 crew members still on board, according to the sources. The pirates reportedly abandoned the ship after a ransom was paid, although no details were given on the amount.
The MV Sward was seized on April 26 while sailing off the Somali coast. It was carrying 15 Syrian crew members and two Indians, who remained in captivity for months.
While under pirate control, the vessel was allegedly used as a platform to organize further hijackings. It is believed to have been involved in the seizure of at least two Iranian fishing boats and the cargo vessel MV Lutuf, which was sailing under the Cameroon flag.
Puntland security sources said the pirates disembarked near Garacad, where several vehicles were reportedly waiting for them along the coast. The presence of the vehicles has raised suspicions that the pirates may have had links to a support network operating inside Puntland.
The release comes as piracy incidents off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden have increased. According to International Maritime Organization data cited by the sources, at least 15 piracy incidents have been reported in the area this year, the highest number since 2013.
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In late August, Puntland security sources said a $2.5 million ransom had been paid to secure the release of the MV Lutuf, while $40,000 was reportedly paid for the release of the two Iranian fishing boats.
Somalia's federal government has disputed that account, saying the MV Lutuf was freed following sustained military pressure by Somali and Turkish naval forces. The government said four boats used by the pirates were destroyed and 14 pirates were killed during the operation.
At least four commercial vessels remain in the hands of pirates off Somalia, according to security sources. They are the Honour 25, Eureka, Asana and Seamull.
The Seamull was sanctioned by the United States in December last year over allegations that it was part of an Iranian "shadow fleet" used to transport Iranian oil through measures designed to conceal its origin.
The latest release highlights renewed concerns over Somalia's maritime security, as pirate networks appear to be regaining the capacity to seize vessels and use hijacked ships to support further operations along one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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