Hijacking of Iranian Fishing Vessel, off Northeastern Somalia - UPDATE
Issued: 2 days, 6 hours ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2026-10-29 09:00:00 | CW Alert 047- (Oct 26) | Indian Ocean | Hijack | Pirates | MSCIO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The MSCIO have reported that the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel AZINI has been hijacked by armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia (exact position not specified). The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 09:00 UTC on 29 October 2026. The vessel's last reported position was 09° 42' N 053° 55' E at 04:00 UTC on 30 October 2026. The safety and status of the crew are currently unknown. The report states that the vessel could be used as a mothership to conduct further piracy attacks. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident. UPDATE 1: Further information has been received stating that the fishing vessel was boarded by twelve pirates, between Bandarbayla and Hafun District, Puntland, Somalia. The vessel reportedly has twenty-one crew of Iranian nationality and two Somali armed guards onboard. It is also reported that the captain had sent a distress voice message informing the captain of another vessel that armed men had boarded the vessel. No further communication has been received from the vessel or crew. UPDATE 2: The latest reported position of the AZINI is 09° 47' N 055° 45' E (time of position not specified). The vessel is approaching the maritime traffic lane. AZINI could be used as a mothership to conduct further piracy attacks. Operation ATALANTA continues to investigate. | |||||