The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident occurring 780NM East of Hafun, Somalia. A small craft, believed to have been launched from a larger vessel, approached a merchant ship and opened fire.
Four armed individuals were reportedly on board the small craft, equipped with automatic rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. The craft approached within 300 meters of the merchant vessel. The vessel's onboard Armed Security Team (AST) fired warning shots, leading to an exchange of fire before the attackers retreated.
The incident is currently under investigation. The merchant vessel and her crew are reported to be safe and are continuing their journey to their next port.
This is the third possibly Somali piracy-related incident reported in the area this month. The Liberian-flagged, UAE-owned and operated, Bulk Carrier LILA NORFOLK (IMO: 9281700) was boarded approximately 460NM East of Eyl, Somalia on January 4.
There have been at least eight confirmed incidents likely involving Somali pirates reported since the beginning of November 2023, as well as multiple unconfirmed reports of dhows being hijacked or stolen. In addition, the UKMTO issued a warning on 15 December 2023 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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