Somali pirates have hijacked an Iranian fishing vessel carrying 23 individuals on board.
Sea-news.az reports that Associated Press (AP) informed about this citing the Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO).
The vessel, named Azini, was seized off the northeastern coast of Somalia, in the maritime region situated between the towns of Bandar Beyla and Hafun.
According to a source in the maritime police of the Puntland autonomous region, the vessel was carrying 21 Iranian nationals and two Somali guards. Twelve pirates participated in the assault. No details are currently available regarding the condition of the crew members.
The MSCIO warned that the hijacked vessel could potentially be utilized as a mothership to launch further attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta has launched an investigation into the incident. Operation leadership has urged all vessels transiting the area to exercise heightened vigilance and report any suspicious activity.
