The Indian Navy rescues the MV RUEN in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia, March 16, 2024. Photo courtesy Indian Navy
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has reported a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departing from Somalia’s northern central coast, marking renewed threats to shipping in the region and signaling a potential resurgence of Somali piracy after a five-month lull.
EUNAVFOR’s Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) issued an alert stating, “OPERATION ATALANTA has received information of a possible PAG consisting of 13 armed pirates departing from Ceel Huur (El Hur), Ivo Hobyo, yesterday evening heading out to the Indian Ocean. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.”
The last reported pirate activity in the region occurred on June 7, 2024, involving a suspicious approach on the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship PACIFIC HONOR.
Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, attributes the recent inactivity to inclement weather due to monsoon season. “Now the weather has improved, EOS Risk Group has warned its clients during recent weeks that Somali piracy is likely to return,” he said.
The latest warning is part of a broader resurgence of Somali piracy that began in November 2023, following a series of dhow and fishing vessel hijackings. Pirates have also hijacked two commercial ships. The MV Ruen was hijacked in mid-December 2023 and subsequently rescued by the Indian Navy after a three-month hostage situation. In March, the MV Abdullah was hijacked and released a month later, reportedly after a ransom payment.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has raised alarms about the persistent threat of Somali piracy. In its first-half report for 2024, the IMB documented eight reported incidents of Somali piracy, including three hijackings.
What’s particularly concerning is the pirates’ demonstrated ability to strike far from the Somali coast. “We have seen pirates reported up to 800nm offshore Somalia, with the furthest confirmed incident >600nm offshore Somalia,” Kelly noted.
Authorities suspect the hijacked dhows and fishing vessels are being repurposed by pirates as mobile bases, or “mother ships,” enabling them to launch attacks at great distances from the Somali coastline.
The resurgence of Somali piracy has coincided with an escalation of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have forced ships to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
“The current regional landscape means there are less ships assigned to counter piracy ops in the Indian Ocean making for an easier escape for pirates,” said Kelly. “That is caveated by the great efforts of the Indian navy which has liberated several hijacked ships over the past year.
Shipping companies are advised to implement stringent security measures and maintain vigilant watch when transiting through these high-risk areas.
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