A Turkish general cargo ship has been hijacked off Somalia, adding to a series of piracy-related incidents in the region.

The 8,500-dwt Sward, built in 1998, was seized by armed men on Sunday, according to maritime security firm Vanguard. The vessel, sailing under the St Kitts and Nevis flag, was later shown by tracking data to be anchored off the Somali coast.

Most of the vessel’s Indian and Syrian crew were reportedly gathered on the bridge, while two mechanics remained in the engine room.

The incident followed an earlier alert from UK Maritime Trade Operations, which reported that an unidentified cargo ship had come under the control of unauthorized persons around six nautical miles north-east of Garacad. The vessel was then directed toward Somali territorial waters.

Security risks in the area have been increasing. A US-led naval coalition in the Indian Ocean has raised the piracy threat level to “substantial” after several recent attacks linked to pirate activity.

Last week, the 3,100-dwt products carrier Honour 25, built in 1988, was hijacked about 45 nautical miles off Mareeyo. The vessel, flagged in Palau, was subsequently moved around 80 miles south into Somali waters, according to the Combined Maritime Forces. No injuries were reported.

Another incident involved the 10,100-dwt cargo ship Elfriede, built in 2004. Security personnel onboard exchanged fire with armed men on a fishing boat attempting to board the vessel 83 nautical miles south-east of Eyl.

A Somali-flagged fishing boat was also hijacked nearby. Such vessels are commonly used by pirate groups as mother ships to approach larger commercial targets.

The recent incidents highlight a renewed pattern of piracy activity off Somalia.