Pirates Hijack Yemeni Fishing Boat Off Puntland, Somalia
Suspected Somali pirates have seized a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat near Durdura, off the northern coast of Puntland, Somalia, marking the second piracy-related incident in the region this year. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) confirmed the hijacking, which took place on March 16, and is closely monitoring the situation.
According to EUNAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta, the vessel was boarded by seven armed individuals while carrying a crew of eight Somali nationals. The incident has been classified as a hijacking, distinguishing it from previous cases of armed robbery at sea.
Surge in Somali Piracy Cases
The hijacking follows a similar attack on February 17, when pirates captured the Yemeni-flagged fishing boat SAYTUUN-2, holding it for five days before releasing it. The crew was robbed, though the incident was initially categorized as an armed robbery rather than a hijacking.
Piracy in Somali waters has seen a resurgence since late 2023, after years of decline. In December, Somali pirates armed with AK-47 rifles attacked a Chinese fishing vessel, taking up to 18 crew members hostage. The ship was later released in mid-January, following diplomatic intervention.
Naval Forces Maintain Vigilance
Operation Atalanta, which has played a crucial role in suppressing piracy since its launch in 2008, has captured and prosecuted 145 pirates to date. In response to the growing threat, the European Union has extended the mission’s mandate until early 2027.
The multinational naval forces are coordinating efforts with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Yemeni Coast Guard to assess the next steps. Authorities have urged all merchant and fishing vessels operating in the region to register under the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS) to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
As investigations into the latest hijacking continue, naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters remain on high alert to deter further attacks.
