Security Experts Report Fifth Dhow Hijacking off Somali Coast

Security experts have reported yet another hijacking of a fishing dhow off the coast of Somalia, marking the fifth such incident since November. The UK-based EOS Risk Group has been closely monitoring these hijackings, which have raised concerns about maritime security in the region.

The identities of the perpetrators behind these hijackings are still unknown. In one case, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office reported that a Yemeni fishing vessel, previously hijacked off Eyl, Somalia, was spotted heading north along the Yemeni coastline. Authorities suspect that this vessel may be used for future piracy attacks.

In a separate incident on December 14th, pirates hijacked the Maltese-flagged bulk carrier MV Ruen in the Indian Ocean, approximately 680 nautical miles east of Bosaso, Somalia. Authorities have been closely monitoring the ship as it is sailed back to Somali waters where it is still being held. One of Ruen’s crew members was previously evacuated for medical care, while the well-being of the remaining crew members remains a concern.

The exact demands and motivations of the hijackers remain unknown at this time. However, the incidents recall tactics employed by Somali pirates over a decade ago when they used dhows as motherships to launch attacks on ships far from shore.

If confirmed as Somali piracy, the Ruen hijacking would be the first successful hijacking of a commercial ship Somali pirates since 2017.

It is important to note that these incidents are taking place in the context of the ongoing maritime security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been conducting missile and drone attacks on international shipping originating from Yemen. The militants have carried out more than 20 attacks against merchant shipping since the November 19 hijacking of the M/V Galaxy Leader.

In one of the attacks, five Somali nationals were apprehended by the U.S. Navy after attempting to hijack a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden. However, it should be noted that no connection has been established between the Houthis and the dhow or Ruen hijackings off the coast of Somalia.

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