Somali pirates seize Chinese fishing vessel near Puntland coast

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Friday December 6, 2024

EUNAVFOR Atalanta monitors vessels in the region as part of its security efforts (Atalanta file photo)

Mogadishu (HOL) — Armed pirates have seized a Chinese fishing vessel with 18 crew members in Somalia's territorial waters, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) confirmed on Thursday. The hijacking occurred off the northeastern coast of Puntland, marking a resurgence of piracy in the region after a period of relative calm.

The vessel, which has remained within Somali territorial waters, was reportedly taken over by pirates armed with AK-47s and machine guns. No injuries to the crew have been reported, according to an official statement from EUNAVFOR, which has classified the incident as "armed robbery at sea."

"Following the detection by EUNAVFOR Atalanta, assets have been in the vicinity of the Chinese fishing vessel to increase situational awareness and gather information," the statement read. The naval force is in ongoing contact with Somali and Chinese authorities and the European Union's delegation to Somalia to resolve the crisis.

EUNAVFOR, operating under Operation Atalanta, emphasized its commitment to maintaining maritime security and urged vessels transiting the region to register with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS). "This provides the most effective monitoring and response by Atalanta forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats," the statement added.

Somali piracy, which peaked between 2008 and 2012, has seen a resurgence due to shifting shipping routes and reduced international patrols. According to the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), piracy-related incidents have become increasingly sophisticated, with pirates using commandeered vessels as floating bases to strike targets farther offshore.

The hijacking of the Chinese vessel comes amid increased maritime traffic in Somali waters, prompted by conflicts in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait that have forced ships to reroute to avoid Houthi rebel attacks. Analysts warn that such developments leave Somali waters increasingly vulnerable to piracy.

EUNAVFOR has reported 43 piracy-related incidents between November 2023 and October 2024, with 27 confirmed attacks. Recent high-profile cases include the hijacking of the MV Abdullah, released after a $5 million ransom was paid, and the abortive hijacking of the cargo ship Basilisk, which was thwarted by the ship's crew and EU forces.

Somali piracy remains a critical challenge for global shipping, particularly as over 600 vessels now transit Somali waters monthly—double the volume recorded last year. While international naval forces continue to patrol the region, analysts stress the need for long-term solutions addressing Somalia's economic instability, illegal fishing, and governance issues.

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