UKMTO raises piracy threat level off Somalia

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the piracy threat level off the Somali coast to 'substantial' after another cargo ship was hijacked on Sunday. A total of four ships have been attacked in the last week, indicating a significant surge in pirate activity. Authorities are advising extreme caution for vessels transiting the area, noting that current weather conditions favor the operations of small pirate boats.