A sharp rise in pirate activity off the coast of Somalia has once again raised concerns over maritime security. Pirates have seized another dhow vessel near the Somali coast.
The European Union’s Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) reported that the vessel, which was heading toward the port of Kismayo, was hijacked on May 9 and is currently located near the southern coast of Somalia. The EU’s “Atalanta” naval operation has deployed forces to the area for investigation.
The hijacking occurred just hours after MSCIO warned that another pirate group in the region was preparing to launch attacks. Pirates often seize small boats like dhows and use them as “mother ships” for assaults on commercial vessels. These smaller craft allow them to blend into regional maritime traffic and avoid detection.
MSCIO and Operation Atalanta have once again urged all vessels — especially those operating within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun — to strengthen security measures. Ships are advised to avoid the region and keep a safe distance from the coastline.
According to experts, fuel shortages and soaring fuel prices in the region are pushing pirates to target tankers in particular. Several commercial vessels, including the Togolese-flagged tanker Eureka, are currently confirmed to be held hostage off the Somali coast.
