A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked last week off the northeastern coast of Somalia, according to local authorities and the European Union’s Operation ATALANTA. The ship, licensed to operate in Somali waters, was seized in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, with reports indicating onboard security guards collaborated with the hijackers.
The vessel, registered under Taiwan’s flag, was initially taken to Jiifle in Puntland’s Godobjiraan district before being moved to other coastal locations, most recently Maraya village near Eyl. The European Union naval force classified the event as “armed robbery at sea” and confirmed that the crew members remain unharmed. Local reports claim the hijackers demanded a $5 million ransom, rejecting a $1 million counteroffer, though these details have not been officially verified.
Piracy in Somali waters, which peaked in 2011, had significantly declined over the past decade but has seen a resurgence since November 2023. Political instability in Puntland has fueled attacks, with pirates increasingly targeting foreign vessels and using captured ships as “motherships” to extend their reach. The incident follows 43 piracy-related events documented by Operation ATALANTA in the past year, including two high-profile hijackings.
The removal of the Indian Ocean High Risk Area designation in early 2023 has led many vessels to scale back their security, increasing vulnerability. Maritime security experts have urged the industry to reinstate armed security teams and conduct thorough risk assessments as piracy is expected to rise with calmer seas during the post-monsoon period.
