Two Commercial Vessels with Indian Crew Hijacked off Yemen and Somalia

Two commercial vessels carrying 22 Indian crew members were hijacked by pirates off Yemen and Somalia, a senior official in India’s shipping ministry said on 21 August 2026.

The incidents form part of a recent rise in pirate activity in the region linked to wider instability in the Middle East. One vessel was taken near Yemeni waters and the other off the Somali coast.

Indian authorities are coordinating with international naval forces and the ship operators to secure the release of the crew and the vessels. No further details on the condition of the sailors or the pirates’ demands were immediately available.

The Indian Navy maintains a presence in the region for anti-piracy patrols and has previously intervened in similar cases. Shipping companies have been advised to follow best management practices and remain in contact with authorities.

Piracy in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden had declined for several years after coordinated international patrols, but recent reports indicate a renewed surge coinciding with the ongoing conflict involving Iran and related disruptions to shipping routes.

The hijackings highlight the vulnerability of commercial traffic that continues to transit these waters despite the risks. Indian seafarers form a significant portion of the global merchant fleet workforce, making such incidents a recurring concern for New Delhi.

Officials are monitoring the situations closely. Further updates are expected as contact is established with the vessels or the groups holding them.

The shipping ministry is working with the Ministry of External Affairs and naval commands to ensure the safety of the Indian nationals on board.