Somali Pirates Hijack Yemeni Fishing Vessel Off Horn Of Africa

A Yemeni fishing dhow has been hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa on February 9, 2025. The European Union’s naval mission, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway.

The attack took place near Eyl, a coastal town in Somalia’s Puntland region. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the pirates stole three small boats fitted with 60-horsepower engines before fleeing.

A suspected pirate action group was later seen departing from the area.

In 2011, when Somali piracy was at its peak, a total of 32 ships and 736 hostages were held by pirates, with 237 reported attacks.

Since then, it has been largely contained due to international naval patrols and improved governance in Somalia. Piracy in the region cost the global economy an estimated $7 billion, with around $160 million paid in ransoms.

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.

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.

Naval forces have increased patrols and are working closely with ships in the region to stop further hijackings. While piracy cases were relatively low in mid-2024, three suspicious approaches were reported between June and December.

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.

There is still no evidence of the amount paid to secure the crew’s release

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.

Reference: AP News

Source: Maritime Shipping News