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Turkish cargo ship hijacked near Somalia coast: 10 crew members including 6 Indian sailors on board
Samira Vishwas | August 21, 2026 4:24 PM CST


Incidents of piracy on international waterways are once again becoming serious. Pirates have hijacked a Cameroon-flagged cargo ship 'M/V LUTUF' off the Puntland coast of Somalia. There are a total of 10 crew members on board this hijacked ship, including 6 Indian citizens, which has increased concern in India as well. The hijacking took place off the Puntland coast. According to information received from Somali authorities, the cargo ship was about 3.5 nautical miles off Marraya in the Aile district when it was captured by pirates. After this the robbers forcibly took the ship towards Nugal coast. The 10 members on board the ship include 6 Indian nationals, 1 Turkish national, 1 Georgian national and 2 Serbian security guards. The ship was carrying Turkish weapons and military equipment. This cargo ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying Turkish weapons, sophisticated communication systems and satellite equipment to a military training center in Mogadishu. Intelligence sources believe that the perpetrator of this audacious incident is the same gang of pirates who had recently hijacked a ship named 'M/V Sward' on April 26. As soon as security agencies' action and air strikes were reported, two Turkish warships reached near the hijacked ship and kept an eye on the situation. Apart from this, Turkish helicopters and drones have also intensified patrolling in the area. According to media reports, after the incident, some suspicious people had reached near the ship in a small boat. Subsequently, four people were reported killed and two injured in an airstrike in the area, although official confirmation of the attack and casualties is yet to be confirmed. At present, efforts are expected to be initiated at the diplomatic level for the safe release of Indian citizens.


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