Maritime authorities have raised the alarm over a surge in piracy off the coast of Somalia after a cargo ship was seized in the latest suspected hijacking. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) elevated the threat level to "substantial" on Sunday, reporting that unauthorized persons had taken control of the vessel and diverted it toward Somali territorial waters.

At least four vessels have been targeted in suspected pirate attacks over the past week, including a fishing boat and an oil tanker. This marks a resurgence of piracy in a region of the Indian Ocean where such incidents had nearly disappeared three years ago.

"Due to the increased threat of possible PAG (Pirate Action Group) activity, vessels are advised to transit with caution," the UKMTO said in a statement, noting that weather conditions are favorable for small boat operations.

The hijacking on Sunday occurred six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia. The UKMTO also issued a warning about a separate hijacking off the coast of Mareeyo in northern Somalia on April 21.

Pirates also seized the oil tanker Honour 25 with 17 crew members near the Somali coast on April 22, according to security officials. The crew includes 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, one Sri Lankan, and one Myanmar national. The vessel anchored close to shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun and Bander Beyla.

On Thursday, the UKMTO reported the seizure of a Somali-flagged fishing vessel and an oil tanker. Additionally, two armed individuals attempted to board a cargo ship from a small boat but retreated after the crew fired warning shots.

Between 2005 and 2012, pirates off the Horn of Africa earned an estimated $339 million to $413 million by holding crew members hostage for ransom, according to the World Bank.

Source: www.bbc.com