Somali Pirates Release "Sward" After Ransom Payment, EU Mission Confirms

Somali pirates freed the commercial ship "Sward" on Saturday, ending its captivity following receipt of a ransom, security sources in Puntland confirmed. The vessel had been seized off Somalia’s coastline on 26 April.

Timeline of the April hijackings

EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta reported that pirates captured the oil tanker "Honor 25" on 21 April. Five days later, on 26 April, they took control of the "Sward". Both incidents occurred in waters adjacent to Somalia.

Release details and crew status

The release took place near the coastal city of Garacad, according to a Puntland security source. At the time of release, all crew members remained aboard the "Sward". The pirates disembarked and drove away in multiple vehicles before entering Garacad.

Ransom payment confirmed, amount undisclosed

The Puntland security source confirmed that the pirates received a ransom for the vessel’s release. However, no figure was disclosed for the payment.

Broader context of piracy in Somali waters

Armed pirate groups operating off Somalia’s shores have conducted ship hijackings since the start of the millennium, primarily to extract ransom payments. Operation Atalanta, launched by the European Union in 2008 to counter maritime piracy in the region, has contributed to a marked decline in hijacking incidents since 2013.