Skip to main content

Somali Pirates Resurge: Bangladeshi Cargo Ship Hijacked

 Increased Piracy Activity Raises Concerns

Somali pirates have seized control of a Bangladeshi cargo ship, the MV Abdullah, marking a worrying resurgence of piracy in the region. This incident, confirmed by the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR), highlights the ongoing threat to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.

Details of the Attack:

  • The MV Abdullah, a bulk carrier flagged by Bangladesh, was en route from Mozambique to Dubai when it was attacked approximately 600 nautical miles off the Somali coast on March 13th.
  • Up to 20 pirates reportedly boarded the vessel from two skiffs, one small and one large.
  • The pirates are currently in control of the ship, which is sailing towards the Somali coastline at a slow speed.

Crew Status and Response Efforts:

  • Thankfully, the 23 crew members on board are reported to be safe.
  • EU NAVFOR Atalanta is currently shadowing the pirate vessel and coordinating with Bangladeshi and Somali authorities, along with regional maritime security partners like the Indian Navy, to ensure the crew's safe release.

Resurgence of Somali Piracy:

  • This attack marks the fourth hijacking incident since December 2023, signifying a concerning rise in Somali piracy activity after a period of decline.
  • Experts warn that at least one pirate group is actively operating in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, posing a threat to vessels within 1000 nautical miles of the Somali coast.

Impact and Next Steps:

  • This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by seafarers in the region.
  • Increased vigilance by commercial vessels and continued international cooperation in counter-piracy efforts are crucial to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.
  On the night of March 6, 2025, at 22:16 UTC, a crew member of the merchant vessel MV Ariadne fell overboard in the central Adriatic Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian coast, at latitude 41°39'N and longitude 16°50'E. Current weather conditions in the area are favorable, aiding search and rescue operations. The Italian Coast Guard promptly initiated search operations, deploying naval units and helicopters to locate the missing mariner. All vessels transiting the area have been alerted and are requested to maintain vigilant watch, reporting any sightings to the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome. The Coast Guard commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime units in emergencies like this, noting that swift intervention is crucial to increasing the chances of successful rescue operations. Search efforts will continue unabated until the missing mariner is found or until authorities deem it necessary to conclude ...

PAN-PAN Alert: Sailing Vessel SKYFALL Requests Assistance in South Atlantic

February 28, 2025 – A PAN-PAN distress message has been issued for the sailing vessel Skyfall (MMSI: 235099478), a 13-meter sailing yacht flying the United Kingdom flag. The vessel is experiencing critical rigging issues and is at risk of losing its mast. The crew has requested urgent assistance. Distress Details Message Received: February 25, 2025, at 05:57 UTC Vessel Name: Skyfall (Call Sign: 2GPT6) Position: 22° 22' 26.4" S, 001° 31' 42.0" W Crew Onboard: 2 persons Issue: Loose rigging, expected mast loss Assistance Required: Additional diesel jerry cans from nearby vessels Weather Conditions in the Area Wind: 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots from ESE Wave Height: 1.9 meters Sky Conditions: Mostly clear to partly cloudy Call for Assistance Any vessels in the vicinity are strongly encouraged to assist. Skyfall requires extra fuel to maintain power and stability as the crew deals with their rigging failure. Mariners able to provide aid should report to ...