The Liberian-flagged, UAE owned and operated, Bulk Carrier LILA NORFOLK (IMO: 9281700) was reportedly boarded approximately 460NM East of Eyl, Somalia.
The vessel was boarded by 5 to 6 unauthorized armed individuals, and the vessel's Master has reported that the crew has been gathered in the Citadel. The LILA NORFOLK was last reported at 19:00UTC 04.01.2024, at position 6°27'11.00"N, 57°25'32.00"E, heading 000° at 10kt with limited navigational lighting, likely below minimum anti-collision regulation specification.
In response to an alert from the UKMTO, the Indian Navy deployed a maritime patrol aircraft and the destroyer INS Chennai, which was on Maritime Security Operations in the Indian Ocean. The aircraft was able to overfly the LILA NORFOLK and establish contact with the vessel, verifying the safety of the crew. The aircraft is continuing its surveillance and closely monitoring the vessel's movements.
Update: As of 6 January, Military forces have since boarded the vessel and secured it.
Analysis: Hijacking and Possible Resurgence of Somali Piracy Threats in the Indian Ocean
This is the fourth incident of this type (likely Somali piracy-related) reported in the area within recent weeks. A dhow was hijacked off the coast of Hafun, Somalia on 30 December.
There have been at least six confirmed incidents likely involving Somali pirates reported since the beginning of November as well as additional unconfirmed reports of dhows being hijacked or stolen. In addition, the UKMTO issued a warning on 15 December indicating the presence of a Somali Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the area off Puntland and the northern Arabian Sea. This resurgence is significant and raises concerns about the reemergence of piracy threats in the region.
Further deterioration of regional stability, related to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and Houthi attacks on international shipping may in part be a cause of the recent resurgence.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to UKMTO.
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