A suspected piracy-related incident involving a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel occurred on 16 March off the coast of Durdura, near Eyl, in northern Puntland, Somalia. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has classified the event as a hijacking and is currently investigating the situation.
According to initial reports, up to seven hijackers remain on board the dhow, which has a crew of eight Somali nationals. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA said it is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and coordinating efforts with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Yemeni Coast Guard to assess and respond appropriately.
This incident follows a similar piracy attack on the Yemeni-flagged dhow Saytuun-2, which was released on 24 February.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA continues to assess the security risks in the region and shares its recommendations with shipping operators through official channels, including updates on the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website, it said.
Operation ATALANTA strongly advises merchant vessels and other vulnerable ships to register with MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS). This initiative allows ATALANTA forces and their partners to enhance monitoring capabilities and provide an effective response to maritime security threats in the region.
Somali piracy continues to threaten seafarers off the Horn of Africa. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in 2024, in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden waters, eight incidents were reported. Two saw fishing vessels hijacked and a bulk carrier crew was also subjected to hijacking.
Worldwide, the IMB recorded 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2024– four less than the previous year and one more than in 2022.
Of concern is an increase in the number of crew either taken hostage or kidnapped. Last year saw 126 crew taken hostage, compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and two in 2022. A further 12 crew were threatened and one injured in 2024.
2024 saw 94 vessels boarded, 13 subjected to attack attempts, six hijacked and three shot at.
