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The Yemeni-flagged dhow, seized off northern Somalia, was later abandoned by pirates, raising concerns over the resurgence of maritime attacks in the region
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali pirates have released the Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow, Al-Hidaya, which they hijacked on March 16 off the northern coast of Somalia. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) confirmed the vessel’s release on Friday, stating that the crew members were found unharmed. The hijacking occurred near Durdura, an area close to Eyl in Puntland, which has long been identified as a piracy hotspot. Reports indicate that after seizing the vessel, the pirates later abandoned it near Dhinowda, a location further south from the original point of attack. The EUNAVFOR Atalanta forces, tasked with countering piracy in the region, arrived on the scene on the morning of March 21 to provide assistance and assess the situation.
Upon boarding the dhow, the naval forces confirmed that all eight Somali crew members aboard were safe and that there were no casualties. The vessel was found intact, but investigations are ongoing to determine whether any valuables or fishing equipment were taken during the hijacking. The hijacking of Al-Hidaya is the third piracy-related incident involving a Yemeni fishing vessel this year, raising concerns about the resurgence of Somali piracy. After years of decline, attacks on commercial and fishing vessels appear to be increasing, signaling a potential return to the lawlessness that plagued the waters off Somalia’s coast in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
EUNAVFOR and maritime experts have observed a troubling trend where pirates have resumed using so-called “mother vessels”—larger dhows or ocean-going fishing boats that allow them to extend their reach into deeper waters. By operating from these larger vessels, pirate groups can sustain operations further from shore, posing a renewed threat to international shipping and fishing activities in the Western Indian Ocean. The use of mother ships was a common tactic during the height of Somali piracy between 2008 and 2012. By deploying smaller, faster skiffs from these larger vessels, pirate groups were able to attack commercial ships, oil tankers, and fishing boats at significant distances from land. The recent resurgence of this strategy has alarmed regional maritime authorities, prompting renewed calls for increased vigilance and enhanced naval patrols.
EUNAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta remains committed to combating piracy and ensuring maritime security in the region. The task force, which has been operating in the Western Indian Ocean since 2008, continues to patrol Somali waters, escort vulnerable vessels, and engage with local authorities to deter pirate activity. In response to the hijacking of Al-Hidaya, EUNAVFOR urged regional authorities to stay alert and reinforce maritime security measures. The naval force also emphasized the importance of cooperation between regional governments, the international community, and local fishing communities to curb piracy’s resurgence.
While Somali piracy had significantly declined over the past decade due to international naval patrols, improved security measures, and the prosecution of captured pirates, recent incidents suggest that the threat is far from eradicated. Economic hardships, lack of employment opportunities, and the ongoing instability in Somalia have created conditions that enable piracy to resurface. EUNAVFOR officials have reiterated that continued surveillance and proactive counter-piracy efforts are essential to preventing further attacks. They have also encouraged commercial and fishing vessels operating in the region to adopt best management practices for maritime security, including sailing in convoys, maintaining constant communication with naval forces, and employing onboard security measures where possible.
The re-emergence of piracy in Somali waters poses a significant threat to international trade routes, particularly those passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. These waters serve as critical maritime corridors for global commerce, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. Any increase in piracy-related incidents could lead to heightened shipping costs, insurance premiums, and potential disruptions to global supply chains. Several international organizations and maritime agencies have expressed concern over the recent developments. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and other security bodies continue to monitor the situation closely, urging vessels transiting the region to exercise caution.
The hijacking and subsequent release of the Al-Hidaya highlight the ongoing challenges in securing Somalia’s territorial waters against piracy. While the safe recovery of the vessel and its crew is a positive outcome, the increasing frequency of such incidents signals the need for sustained counter-piracy efforts. EUNAVFOR and other international naval forces remain committed to safeguarding maritime traffic in the region. However, addressing the root causes of piracy, including economic instability and lack of governance in Somalia, will be crucial in ensuring a long-term solution to the issue. Until then, the threat of piracy in Somali waters remains a pressing concern for regional and global maritime security stakeholders.