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Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat off the coast of Somalia, marking the second such incident in as many months. The European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) confirmed the hijacking, which occurred near the semi-autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia. The incident underscores the resurgence of piracy in the region, a threat that had largely subsided over the past decade.
According to EU NAVFOR, seven armed pirates boarded the Yemeni vessel, which was carrying eight Somali crew members. The naval force has classified the incident as a hijacking and is currently investigating the situation. The fishing boat was seized near the coastal town of Eyl, a known hotspot for pirate activity. EU NAVFOR is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Combined Maritime Forces and the Yemeni Coast Guard to address the threat.
This latest hijacking follows a similar incident in February, when another Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel was seized in the same waters. That vessel was later abandoned by the pirates, who reportedly stole personal belongings and equipment before fleeing. The resurgence of piracy in Somali waters has raised alarm among maritime security experts, who warn that the region could once again become a global piracy hotspot.
Piracy off the Somali coast reached its peak between 2008 and 2012, when hundreds of vessels were attacked, costing the global economy billions of dollars. A combination of international naval patrols and improved governance in Somalia had largely curbed the threat, but pirate activity began to pick up again in late 2023. Experts attribute the resurgence to economic hardship, political instability, and the lack of effective law enforcement in Somalia.
The hijacking has reignited concerns about the safety of maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, which are vital corridors for global trade. The region’s strategic importance has made it a focal point for international naval operations aimed at deterring piracy and ensuring the free flow of commerce. However, the recent uptick in pirate activity highlights the challenges of maintaining long-term security in these waters.
EU NAVFOR has urged shipowners and operators to remain vigilant and adhere to best management practices for avoiding piracy. These measures include maintaining a high level of situational awareness, using secure communication channels, and implementing physical security measures such as barbed wire and water cannons. The naval force has also called for increased international cooperation to address the root causes of piracy, including poverty and unemployment in coastal communities.
The hijacking has drawn attention to the plight of Somali fishermen, who often find themselves caught between the threat of piracy and the challenges of illegal fishing by foreign vessels. Many Somali fishermen have turned to piracy as a means of survival, citing the depletion of fish stocks and the lack of alternative livelihoods. Addressing these underlying issues will be critical to achieving sustainable maritime security in the region.
The international community has condemned the hijacking and called for swift action to secure the release of the crew and vessel. Maritime organizations have emphasized the need for a coordinated response to prevent further incidents and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the crew and addressing the broader challenges posed by piracy in Somali waters. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security risks in the region and the importance of sustained efforts to combat maritime crime.