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EUNAVFOR Atalanta Investigates Attack on Yemeni-Flagged Fishing Vessel Near Puntland, Somalia, Amid Rising Maritime Security Concern
The European Union’s naval monitoring mission for the Horn of Africa, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, has reported a suspected piracy attack off the coast of Somalia. While details remain limited, the naval operation is investigating the situation in coordination with regional maritime security partners.
According to Atalanta, the attack occurred on Sunday, February 9, targeting a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat near Eyl, a coastal town in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia. Puntland has a history of piracy, particularly during the peak of Somali piracy between 2008 and 2012. Authorities are assessing whether this attack was an act of traditional piracy or related to illegal fishing disputes or other maritime crimes.
For years, Somali piracy had declined due to international naval patrols, enhanced security measures, and best management practices (BMP5) implemented by commercial shipping operators. EUNAVFOR Atalanta previously reported five years of stability without major piracy-related hijackings. However, this calm was disrupted in November 2023 when the Al-Meraj 1, a local dhow, was hijacked. While motives remained unclear, local fishing disputes were suspected rather than organized piracy.
By late 2024, Atalanta noted a resurgence in maritime threats, documenting 44 attacks over 13 months. While many ships evaded capture, others fell victim to hijackings. Authorities estimated at least 19 dhows had been hijacked, raising concerns that these vessels could serve as motherships for attacks on larger merchant ships. Atalanta responded by increasing naval patrols and advising vessels to strengthen security measures.
Between June and December 2024, three reports of suspicious approaches were recorded, though no confirmed attacks took place. However, this relative calm ended in December 2024 when a Chinese fishing vessel was hijacked in Somali coastal waters. Unlike traditional piracy cases, this incident was classified as armed robbery since the vessel remained within Somali waters rather than being taken to sea. The attackers, heavily armed with AK-47s and machine guns, raised concerns about their level of organization and capability. Analysts speculated that the hijacking could be linked to illegal fishing disputes or indicate a resurgence of organized pirate networks.
The Chinese government actively worked to secure the vessel’s release. By mid-January 2025, the vessel and crew were reportedly freed, though it remains unclear whether ransom payments, negotiations, or military intervention played a role.
With the latest suspected piracy attack near Puntland, authorities are once again on high alert. The increase in hijackings and suspicious maritime activity suggests that Somali waters remain a high-risk zone for international shipping and fishing vessels. As Atalanta investigates the February 9 attack, vessel operators in the region have been urged to implement strict security measures to mitigate potential threats.
This emerging security challenge raises concerns about broader maritime safety in the western Indian Ocean. Somali waters serve as a crucial corridor for global trade, making the impact of piracy a significant issue for international shipping and security operations. To prevent a full resurgence of Somali piracy, close collaboration among naval forces, regional governments, and commercial shipping companies will be necessary.