- Somali piracy resurges after a five-month lull, posing renewed threats to shipping.
- Pirates are using hijacked vessels as mobile bases for long-range attacks.
- Shipping companies are urged to adopt strict security measures in high-risk areas.
The EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA has reported a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departing from northern Somalia’s coast, signaling renewed piracy threats in the region after a five-month lull, reports gCaptain.
EUNAVFOR Issues Caution
EUNAVFOR’s Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) issued an alert stating, “OPERATION ATALANTA has received information of a possible PAG consisting of 13 armed pirates departing from Ceel Huur (El Hur), Ivo Hobyo, yesterday evening heading out to the Indian Ocean. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.”
Previous Incident in June 2024
The last reported pirate activity was in June 2024, involving a suspicious approach on the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship PACIFIC HONOR.
Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group noted that piracy had slowed due to monsoon season but warned of its likely return now that weather conditions have improved.
History of Hijackings
Somali piracy had resurged in November 2023, marked by several dhow and fishing vessel hijackings. Two commercial ships, the MV Ruen and MV Abdullah, were also hijacked and later rescued.
Recent incidents show pirates operating up to 800nm offshore from Somalia, extending their reach far from the coast, making shipping lanes more vulnerable.
Use of Hijacked Vessels as Mobile Bases
Authorities suspect pirates are using hijacked dhows and fishing vessels as “mother ships” to launch attacks at greater distances, making them harder to detect and capture.
The piracy resurgence coincides with an increase in Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, leading vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope.
Diminished Counter-Piracy Operations
Kelly pointed out that there are fewer ships assigned to counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, making it easier for pirates to evade capture.
Shipping companies are urged to implement stringent security measures and remain vigilant when transiting through high-risk areas to mitigate piracy risks.
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Source: gCaptain
