A Chinese-owned fishing vessel has been freed following an armed robbery off Somalia’s northeastern Puntland coast, according to information from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia.
The vessel’s crew emerged unharmed and is currently navigating to safer waters. Throughout the ordeal, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA maintained continuous communication with Somali and Chinese authorities, including the Chinese Task Force and the EU delegation to Somalia.
The attack occurred in early December and was technically classified as an “armed robbery” rather than piracy, as it took place within Somali territorial waters.
This incident highlights escalating maritime security challenges in the region. The attack follows a resurgence of Somali piracy, which began in November 2023, coinciding with increased Houthi militant activity in the Red Sea. The region had previously enjoyed four years of relative stability.
Recent high-profile incidents include the M/V Ruen’s three-month captivity, ended by Indian Navy intervention, and the M/V Abdullah’s release after a reported $4 million ransom payment.
Pirates holding the Chinese-owned vessel had allegedly demanded a $10 million ransom, but details regarding the terms of its release remain unclear.
Maritime security experts warn that successful ransom payments risk incentivising further attacks on commercial vessels. Pirates have developed increasingly sophisticated methods, often using smaller vessels such as dhows and fishing boats as “motherships,” enabling attacks up to 600 nautical miles or more from Somalia’s eastern coast.
The surge in piracy activity has been partially linked to the removal of the Indian Ocean High Risk Area designation in January 2023, which led to a reduction in security measures. In response, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is urging vulnerable vessels to register with the Maritime Security Centre’s Voluntary Registration Scheme for enhanced security monitoring.
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