The Somali Navy has reported the rescue of the crew of the cargo ship "Jacuar" which was in a critical condition. This rescue operation took place on September 18, 2026, and reflects the efforts of the Somali government to improve maritime security in the high-risk areas of the country.
Details of the Ship and Its Condition
The Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport of Somalia announced on September 17 that it was monitoring the situation of the cargo ship "Jacuar" which was sinking and leaking water. This ship, operating under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, had 18 crew members from India, Syria, and Egypt, and no precise information about the location of the incident has been provided. The "Jacuar," built in 1998, is owned and managed by Turkey and has a weight of 8,556 tons and a length of 100 meters.
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History of Ship's Problems
The "Jacuar" has a history full of problems and has been criticized in the past for safety deficiencies during port inspections. In December 2025, Egyptian authorities inspected the ship due to rust on the deck and issues with the engine room equipment. Additionally, Jordanian authorities detained the ship in September 2024 and April 2025 for safety reasons. However, no information has been provided regarding the causes of the critical situation of the "Jacuar."
This ship was carrying 7,007 tons of unspecified cargo from Mozambique towards Egypt. The Somali Navy announced that the crew rescue operation was conducted on September 18. Media reports indicate that the ship was sinking, but it is still unclear in which area of Somalia the incident occurred.
Developments in the Somali Navy
Local Somali media reported in April 2025 that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, appointed a new commander for the Navy. This comes as the country's navy has been largely inactive since the early 1990s. Efforts to expand the navy began around 2022 and have led to the recruitment of new personnel. The President has also promised to reactivate the country's air force.
The European Union reported in July 2026 that it has been conducting training courses in Mogadishu to strengthen the capabilities of naval and coast guard forces. Members of the police, coast guard, and navy participated in this 10-day course, which is part of efforts to improve maritime security in the region.
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