BOSASO (Dawan Africa) – Puntland authorities have announced today their decision to hand over the MV Sea World vessel and its cargo to the Government of Turkey, following internal investigations and the verification of ownership claims.
The decision was disclosed in an official statement from the Puntland Presidency, following a high-level meeting in Bosaso between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş. According to Puntland officials, the meeting focused on the status of the ship, which has remained in Puntland’s custody for over two weeks.
The MV Sea World was initially intercepted on July 18, 2025, by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) near Bareda, a coastal town in Bari region, after suspicions were raised about the vessel and its cargo.
The Puntland Presidency said the decision to release the vessel followed the submission of official documents from the Turkish government and the conclusion of local investigations into the ship’s registration, contents, and ownership.
“Based on the evidence submitted by the Turkish government and the investigation carried out into the ship and its cargo, the Puntland government has decided to hand over full responsibility of the MV Sea World and its assets to the Government of Turkey,” the Presidency said.
Turkey had previously claimed full legal ownership of both the ship and its cargo, while the matter triggered diplomatic friction between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government. Mogadishu previously accused Puntland of “unlawfully seizing” the vessel, describing the incident as a violation of international maritime law.
As of the time of reporting, the Federal Government of Somalia has not publicly responded to Puntland’s announcement, though the Federal Ministry of Ports had earlier characterized the ship’s detention as an act of piracy.
No further details were provided regarding the timing of the official transfer or whether the MV Sea World would immediately depart Bosaso port.
The case has drawn international attention and highlighted underlying tensions between federal and regional authorities in Somalia, especially in matters involving foreign governments and control over maritime operations.
