Suspected Somali pirates have seized a Yemeni fishing boat off the Horn of Africa
Somali piracy in the region at the time cost the world’s economy some $7 billion — with $160 million paid out in ransoms
A European naval operation in the Mideast, known as EUNAVFOR Atalanta, said the incident that seized a Yemeni fishing boat off the Horn of Africa,by Somali pirates remained under Authorities investigation.There is still no evidence of the amount paid to secure the crew’s release
It said the attack targeted a dhow, a traditional ship that plies the waters of the Mideast, off the town of Eyl in Somalia.
Steal three small boats
The maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack saw the suspects steal three small boats equipped with 60-horsepower engines. Ambrey said early Tuesday “a suspected pirate action group has been sighted departing” off the coast of Eyl.
Rampant piracy in 2011
Once-rampant piracy off the Somali coast diminished after a peak in 2011. That year, there were 237 reported attacks in waters off Somalia. Somali piracy in the region at the time cost the world’s economy some $7 billion — with $160 million paid out in ransoms, according to the Oceans Beyond Piracy monitoring group.
Increased international naval patrols, a strengthening central government in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, and other efforts saw the piracy beaten back.
44 piracy-related incidents
However, in recent months, piracy has made a comeback. Atalanta says that the region had remained relatively stable for nearly five years until November 2023, when a local dhow named Al-Meraj 1 was hijacked. It was suspected to be linked to a fishing dispute.
Between November 2023 and the end of 2024, Atalanta recorded 44 piracy-related incidents, including failed hijackings.
19 dhows have been hijacked
However, officials believe many cases, especially involving smaller vessels like dhows, go unreported. It is estimated that up to 19 dhows have been hijacked, with concerns that they might be repurposed as “motherships” for attacks on larger vessels.
The resurgence of piracy is believed to be linked to the instability in the region. Atalanta has urged all vessels operating in the area to enhance security measures.
Chinese fishing vessel, Liao Dong Yu,
It is noteworthy that in late November 2024, a Chinese fishing vessel, Liao Dong Yu, along with its 18 crew members, was hijacked in the Puntland region of Somalia.
The pirates demanded a $10 million ransom. In response, the Chinese government initially offered $300,000 but later raised it to $1 million after the negotiations stalled.
An armed robbery
This was classified as an armed robbery. The attackers were said to be carrying AK-47s and machine guns. The Chinese government later confirmed that the vessel and its 18 crew members were released unharmed in mid-January.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean
After five years without any cases of piracy, this marked a turning point. From that date until today, there have been 44 cases of piracy. At the height of piracy in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 ships were being held by pirates.
On the other hand, 6 alleged pirates were handed over by Operation ATALANTA to Seychelles authorities in May 2024. The current total number of alleged pirates transferred to competent authorities is 177.
Ensure maritime security
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA remains vigilant to any piracy-related events in its Area of Operations to ensure maritime security. Operation ATALANTA strongly recommends merchant and other vulnerable vessels to register in the MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS), to provide the most effective monitoring and response by ATALANTA forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats.
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