Fifteen Crew Released With Hijacked Vessel Used as Pirate Mothership

The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo ship Sward and its 15 crew have been released after more than four months in captivity off Somalia, according to maritime security company Marisks. The vessel, hijacked on 26 April 2026, was reportedly released near Garacad on 11 September with all crew safe. It was one of six merchant ships taken by Somali pirates since April, and had been used as a mothership to extend the reach of pirate attacks, though 67 seafarers remain captive.

 

Details of the Release

 

A hijacked vessel has been released. It is the general cargo ship Sward. It was held for more than four months. This occurred off Somalia. Its 15 crew have also been freed.

The release followed a long captivity. The vessel was hijacked on 26 April. It was released near Garacad on 11 September. All crew were reported safe. A security firm reported the release.

 

The Ransom Question

 

Reports suggest a ransom was involved. A security firm noted an unconfirmed report. This concerned a ransom payment. It reportedly preceded the release. However, this has not been independently confirmed.

The vessel's status was later tracked. Tracking data showed it underway. It was proceeding under its own power. It moved southwest off the Somali coast. Regional sources indicated a ransom was paid.

 

The Vessel's Use as a Mothership

 

The vessel had a troubling role in captivity. It was one of several ships seized. These were taken between late April and May. The vessel was then used as a mothership. This extended the pirates' reach.

This role enabled further attacks. Motherships allow pirates to strike further offshore. They extend attacks on other merchant ships. The vessel served this purpose. This amplified the threat in the area.

 

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The Sequence of Hijackings

 

The hijackings formed an escalating sequence. A fishing vessel was hijacked first. A small tanker followed the next day. The fishing vessel was released with crew safe. The Sward was hijacked days later.

The attacks continued beyond these vessels. Another small oil tanker was hijacked in May. This occurred off the coast of Yemen. Together these formed a spate of attacks. They affected multiple merchant ships.

 

Concern for Seafarer Welfare

 

The releases follow months of concern. This centred on seafarers' conditions. In July, the IMO reported captives held. Crews were running critically low on supplies. They faced the constant threat of violence.

One vessel's situation was particularly serious. A statement described conditions aboard a tanker. Crew members were suffering health problems. Food and water supplies were inadequate. Armed pirates had even exchanged gunfire with rivals.

 

The Continuing Situation

 

Further hijackings have occurred since. Two more vessels were taken in mid-year. These added dozens of crew to the total. Another vessel was boarded in August. It was later freed in a naval operation.

The overall situation remains serious. Despite the releases, many remain captive. The IMO had reported over 90 seafarers held. The recent releases reduce this number. However, 67 seafarers remain aboard hijacked vessels.