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A Chinese fishing vessel seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia in November has been released, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia. The crew was reported to be unharmed, and the vessel has safely moved into secure waters following weeks of negotiations.
The incident initially came to light in early December when EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the European Union’s naval security mission in the Horn of Africa, reported the hijacking. However, Atalanta classified the event as armed robbery rather than piracy, as the vessel remained within Somalia’s territorial waters. The Chinese Embassy, in a statement regarding the release, reaffirmed the resilience of China-Somalia cooperation, highlighting their “profound traditional friendship.”
While the embassy credited the release to the “unremitting efforts of the Chinese government,” it did not disclose specific details regarding the terms of the vessel’s freedom. Atalanta previously confirmed that it was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with both Chinese and Somali authorities throughout the ordeal.
Reports in mid-December revealed that the pirates had raised their ransom demands to $10 million after rejecting earlier offers of $300,000 and $1 million from the Chinese side. However, as reported by the Associated Press, it remains unclear whether any ransom payment was ultimately made.
The hijacking was first reported in late November when Atalanta observed the vessel under pirate control. The attackers were seen carrying AK-47 rifles and machine guns, raising concerns over crew safety and the potential for escalation. Following the initial seizure, the vessel was taken to the Puntland region, a semi-autonomous area in Somalia that has long been linked with piracy activity in the region.
The resurgence of piracy off the Somali coast has raised global concerns, with Atalanta data revealing a total of 20 documented attacks throughout 2024, including failed attempts to seize vessels. Additionally, 15 suspicious approaches were reported, though the naval force noted that numerous incidents involving smaller vessels and dhows might have gone unreported.
This high-profile hijacking underscores the persistent threat posed by piracy in the Horn of Africa despite international efforts to curb maritime crime. The region has seen an uptick in incidents reminiscent of the early 2010s when Somali piracy dominated global headlines.
Piracy off the Somali coast has historically been driven by a mix of economic hardship, political instability, and the lack of effective maritime law enforcement. While international naval coalitions have significantly reduced piracy incidents over the past decade, this latest case indicates the ongoing risk, particularly in regions like Puntland where governance remains weak.
The Chinese government’s involvement in securing the vessel’s release further highlights the strategic importance of maritime security for global trade. China has increasingly expanded its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, partly to safeguard its economic interests and ensure the safety of shipping lanes vital to its global supply chain.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta continues to emphasize the need for vigilance in the region, urging shipping companies to adhere to best management practices for piracy deterrence. These include maintaining high-speed transits through high-risk areas, deploying armed security personnel onboard vessels, and maintaining constant communication with regional naval authorities.
The successful release of the Chinese fishing vessel without reported harm to the crew is a positive outcome, but it also serves as a reminder of the fragile security situation in the region. Maritime authorities and governments are being urged to strengthen cooperative measures to prevent further piracy incidents and ensure the safety of seafarers operating in high-risk zones.