Yemeni boat captured off Somalia amid fears of piracy resurgence
Atalanta noted that in the 13 months leading to the end of 2024, they had documented 44 attacks, including unsuccessful attempts. However, officials believe there are likely many unreported incidents, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 19 dhows have been hijacked.
A Yemeni-flagged fishing boat has been hijacked off the coast of Eyl, northern Somalia, in what is feared to be a resurgence of piracy in the region.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta, which confirmed the suspected attack on Sunday, said that it is working with maritime security partners to assess the situation and coordinate a response.
More To Read
"The incident is under investigation. As such all verified information and assessments will be shared with the shipping stakeholders through appropriate channels," stated Atalanta.
The attack comes amid growing concerns about piracy along the Somalia coastline and the Gulf of Aden. Heavily armed pirates have been known to use hijacked dhows and fishing vessels as "mother ships" to launch long-range attacks on merchant vessels.
In January, the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) warned maritime operators to remain vigilant as piracy remains a threat. The IMB noted that eight piracy incidents were reported off the Somalia coastline in 2024 alone.
A separate report on Tuesday from maritime security firm Ambrey revealed that suspected pirates had stolen three small boats equipped with 60-horsepower engines.
The hijacking of the Yemeni vessel comes less than a month after pirates released a Chinese-owned fishing vessel, Liaoning Daping 578, which had been taken hostage in January.
The vessel was hijacked and taken to Xaafuun district in Puntland, where it was held along with its 18 crew members. While it was eventually released, it remains unclear whether the pirates received the $10 million ransom they had demanded.
"There has been an increase in attacks and there had been five years of stability until another local dhow, the Al-Meraj 1, was hijacked in November 2023 in a possible local fishing dispute," added Atalants.
Additionally, Atalanta noted that in the 13 months leading to the end of 2024, they had documented 44 attacks, including unsuccessful attempts. However, officials believe there are likely many unreported incidents, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 19 dhows have been hijacked.
Piracy in the region peaked in 2011, when 237 attacks were reported, costing the global economy approximately $7 billion, including $160 million in ransoms.
However, increased international naval patrols, the strengthening of Somalia's central government, and other counter-piracy efforts led to a significant decline in incidents over the following years.
Despite these gains, seven pirate attacks have been reported off the Somali coast in 2024, according to the IMB raising alarm of a resurgence.
So far, the Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in attacks along the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have been identified as the main suspects.
Other Topics To Read
Top Stories Today
