Somali Pirates Use Hijacked Ship MV Ruen To Attack Bulk Carrier MV Abdullah

The bulk carrier M/V Abdullah, flying the flag of Bangladesh, was taken over by armed pirates in the Indian Ocean, roughly 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, marking the beginning of a new wave of Somali piracy.

The ship, which has 23 crew members on board, has made its way to the north-central coast of Somalia, where it has anchored at 0641N-04719E. Despite indications that the crew is safe, the European Union’s Operation ATALANTA is still monitoring the issue closely.

Visual evidence indicates at least 12 pirates aboard the MV Abdullah, a clear reminder of previous piracy threats. There are discussions regarding a potential connection with the December bulk cargo ship Ruen, which was hijacked and flown under the flag of Malta, possibly acting as a platform for other assaults.

Martin Kelly of the UK-based EOS Risk Group highlights this possibility, pointing out that there have been reports of the Ruen moving Eastward, which suggests that there may be more pirate activity in the area.

The recent hijackings indicate a revival of Somali-based piracy after a pause since 2017. In 2023, the shipping industry removed the Indian Ocean’s categorization as a “high-risk area”, citing perceived improvements in pirate situations, coinciding with this resurgence.

However, recent occurrences have highlighted continued concerns, which Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden have heightened.

Authorities have warned about many pirate action groups operating from motherships in the Indian Ocean, with operational ranges up to 1,000 nautical miles from Somalia. The Maritime Security Centre—Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) underlines the possible impact of ransom payments on future piracy patterns, particularly when the monsoon season ends and pirate operations may increase.

It is recommended that vessels operating in these areas take additional security precautions and contact the appropriate maritime authorities to stay informed about any potential dangers.

Reference: Reuters

Somali Pirates Use Hijacked Ship MV Ruen To Attack Bulk Carrier MV Abdullah appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News