Operation ATALANTA, the European Union’s naval mission against piracy, has provided information regarding the piracy incident involving the Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV Abdullah, which was seized in the Indian Ocean on 12th March.
In particular, the situation on board is that Pirates have seized and taken its 23-member crew hostage. As informed, the crew is safe, and the action is still ongoing. The ship is sailing towards the Somali coast.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred approximately 600 nautical miles west of Mogadishu. The UKMTO added that investigations are underway, without disclosing the vessel’s name.
Bangladeshi-flagged ship MV Abdullah with 23 sailors has been taken hostage by Somali pirates from the Indian Ocean. The ship, owned by Bangladeshi industrial group KSRM, was reported to be headed for Somalia after being taken hostage. pic.twitter.com/wNNLoXslqZ
— Hossain Tareq (@HossainTareq6) March 12, 2024
Media outlets have reported that the pirates are requesting a ransom of $5 million for the release of the Abdullah, and have issued threats to begin executing crew members if their demands are not fulfilled.
❗️Information on the piracy event involving the Bangladesh-flagged Bulk carrier merchant vessel ABDULLAH.
Operation ATALANTA will update on the evolution of events as more information is confirmed.
More information ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WRoLAAdux9
— EUNAVFOR ATALANTA (@EUNAVFOR) March 13, 2024
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA continues its commitment to enhancing maritime safety in the Western Indian Ocean, with a longstanding role in countering piracy over the last 15 years. They advise vessels navigating through this region to implement heightened security measures and stay in contact with MSCHOA and UKMTO for updates regarding possible threats.
