The European Union’s Operation ATALANTA confirmed that the vessel is under the control of armed pirates, equipped with AK-47s and machine guns, though the crew remains unharmed. The incident is officially designated as an armed robbery at sea. This event is part of a broader resurgence in Somali piracy that began in November 2023, coinciding with increased Houthi militant activities in the Red Sea. This resurgence follows a four-year period of relative stability in the region.
Other recent piracy incidents include the three-month captivity of the M/V Ruen, which ended with a rescue operation by the Indian Navy, and the M/V Abdullah, which was released after a reported $4 million ransom payment.
Experts warn that ransom payments could encourage further attacks on commercial vessels in the region. Analysts have noted a consistent pattern in Somali piracy, with pirates using smaller vessels, such as dhows and fishing boats, as launch platforms for attacks that can extend up to 600 nautical miles from Somalia’s coastline.
The surge in piracy is partly attributed to weakened security measures following the removal of the Indian Ocean High Risk Area designation in January 2023. In response, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA has intensified calls for vulnerable vessels to register with the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) for enhanced security oversight.
