Updated information on piracy cases off the coast of Somalia

Ships sailing off the Somali coasts in the Somali basin are urged to maintain a heightened state of vigilance in light of the recent escalation in piracy threats. It is strongly recommended that all vessels adhere to the Best Management Practices Version 5 (BMP5), paying special attention to the drill of security measures before sailing off Somali coasts.

Situation

Since the end of November 2023, multiple incidents involving piracy and hijacking have taken place in the Somali basin. Prior to the monsoon period, there was a notable surge in reported events that could have potentially escalated into piracy attacks off the Somali coast. Additionally, the Southwest monsoon period affected piracy activities in all regions. The successful event of the MV ABDULLAH (13th APR) may have had a strong positive impact on the rise of piracy cases.

• During the first inter-monsoon period (mid-March to mid-June), no new activity was reported in the GOA or IO. Before such period, three vessels have reported attempted attacks and hijacks near the IRTC in GOA, near Garacad and 400NM SE of Mogadishu, where two small crafts boarded the merchant vessel.
• Since the end of November, up to 19 dhows have been hijacked. While most have been released, there have been no further updates on the current situation or whereabouts of several of them.
• ATALANTA has identified several possible pirate logistic locations on the Somali coasts situated between Xaafuun and the village of Garacad, with a hotspot north of Eyl, where the M/V RUEN and the pirated M/V ABDULLAH had been at anchorage for several weeks.
• Several possible pirate logistic locations on the North Somali coasts situated between Bossaso and Qandala, where the pirates departed in the M/V CHRYSTAL ARTIC event, were identified.
• Due to current conducive weather conditions in the Area of Operation, it is a realistic possibility that a PAG could be deployed and carry out an attack in the GOA (likely in the east rather than west) and Somali basin.
• Since the beginning of November 2024, several clan leaders located in the Garacad and Bargaal areas have demanded protection of local fishermen from the extractive activities carried out by foreign fishing fleets in Somali territorial waters. They also stated that if they did not receive a favorable response, the clans would take de facto action against these foreign fleets.

Pirates’ modus operandi

The typical pirate strategy involves the seizure and hijacking of a dhow, which is subsequently utilized as a mother ship. The pirates then blend in with the usual traffic and deploy skiffs from the mother ship to attack vessels, navigating as far as 600 nautical miles or more off the East Somali coast. The possibility of attacks in the Gulf of Aden (GOA) should not be ignored, especially on the Eastern side. After a vessel is seized, it is likely taken to the Somali coast and held there while ransom negotiations are ongoing. The piracy event of M/V ABDULLAH ended with the ship being released after the ransom was paid.

Registration and reporting

It is crucial that vessels operating in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, particularly those within 700 NM of the Somali coast, adhere to the BMP5 recommendations. Any incidents should be reported promptly to MSCHOA and the UKMTO. Additionally, it is worth highlighting that MSCHOA-registered ships receive near real-time information on security incidents in their vicinity.