A cargo vessel flying the St. Kitts and Nevis flag has been hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the ship, identified as the MV Sward, was attacked near the coastal area of Ga-ra-cad while en route to Mombasa, Kenya.

Reports indicate that 15 crew members were on board at the time, including two Indians and 13 Syrians.

Authorities say the vessel operates under what is known as a “flag of convenience,” meaning it is registered in St. Kitts and Nevis but is not owned by the Federation.

Security sources report that armed men boarded the ship and have since taken control, steering it deeper into waters known for piracy activity.

Officials in the region say the situation is being closely monitored.

This incident comes amid growing concern over a resurgence of piracy off Somalia’s coast, with at least one other vessel hijacked in the area within the past week.