Bosaso (KAAB TV) – The Puntland regional government has officially announced its decision to transfer custody of the MV Sea World and an accompanying military vessel to the Turkish government. The vessels, which were seized off the coast of Bareda in the Ras Asair region, are scheduled to be handed over on June 18.
This decision was finalized following a high-level meeting in Bosaso between the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, and a delegation from the Turkish government led by Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia.
According to an official statement released by the Puntland administration, the Turkish government presented compelling documentation and evidence confirming ownership of both the MV Sea World and the military equipment on board. Puntland authorities conducted a detailed investigation, which corroborated Turkey’s claims.
“Based on the evidence submitted by the Turkish Government and the investigation carried out regarding the vessel and its cargo, the Puntland administration has resolved that full responsibility and ownership of the MV Sea World and the assets on board shall be transferred to the Turkish Government,” the statement read.
The MV Sea World had been under Puntland’s control for 17 days after it was intercepted in Somali waters. The vessel was reportedly transporting military personnel and equipment destined for Mogadishu, raising immediate concerns and confusion over its intentions and authorization.
The incident drew sharp criticism from the Federal Government of Somalia, which characterized the vessel’s seizure as an unlawful act and described it as “a case of kidnapping.” Somali federal authorities demanded the Puntland government release the ship without delay, further straining the often-tense relationship between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
In a related development, Puntland officials also noted they were pursuing legal action against TURKSOM, the private security or logistics entity allegedly connected to the vessel. However, details regarding TURKSOM’s role and the legal basis for the charges have not been publicly disclosed.
The handover is expected to ease diplomatic tensions between the parties involved and may serve as a test case for future cooperation—or conflict—between regional and federal Somali authorities and their international partners.