Fishing vessel hijacked, Somalia
Issued: 5 months, 2 weeks ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2025-02-17 00:00:00 | CW Alert 014- (Feb 25) | Indian Ocean | Hijack | Pirates | CLOSED SOURCE/EUNAVFOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Puntland authorities have reported that a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel has been hijacked whilst operating in the waters off Garmaal, Somalia (exact position specified). Initial reports state that the perpetrators intend to use the fishing vessel to conduct attacks against commercial vessels. The pirates have taken the Captain and four other crew members with them, the rest of the crew were disembarked from the fishing vessel. The Puntland authorities have contacted coalition forces for assistance. UPDATE 1: Further information has been received confirming the vessel was loaded with fish and was ready to return to Mukalla before the pirates boarded. The vessel remains under control of the pirates but is currently stationary after running out of fuel. Reports indicate that the pirates are attempting to refuel the fishing vessel, in order to head out into open waters to search for a vessel to target. UPDATE 2: EUNAVFOR have confirmed that the fishing vessel was abandoned by the pirates on 22nd February. After an EUNAVFOR asset approached the fishing vessel to investigate further, it was confirmed that the pirates had left the vessel after stealing personal belongings of the crew. The Captain and four remaining crew members are reported safe. | |||||