Information has been received about an incident occurring approximately 840NM Southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The Sri Lankan-flagged Fishing Trawler LORENZO PUTHA-4 reportedly sailed from Dikowita fishing harbour in Sri Lanka on January 16 before being hijacked by Somali pirates on Saturday, January 27. Six Sri Lankan fishermen, including the Captain, were on board.
India has pledged to assist Sri Lanka in the rescue of the LORENZO PUTHA-4 and her crew and has already sent a warship to investigate. The Sri Lankan navy was also preparing a vessel to travel to the area and alerted the Combined Maritime Forces. The pirates have reportedly allowed the fishermen to communicate with the fisheries ministry.
The incident is currently under investigation by the authorities, and the Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis upon receipt of confirmed information to support informed decision-making.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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