The EU military operation in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, confirmed that the bulk carrier Golden Arsenal is safe and has resumed navigation following a pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden, approximately 110 nautical miles northeast of Bosaso, Somalia.
It was on July 1 when the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), an initiative of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA, received a report from the company security officer of the bulk carrier Golden Arsenal indicating that the vessel had been attacked by armed persons, reportedly equipped with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, the EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA stated in a press release last week.
The European naval force mission said on Friday that it successfully coordinated and facilitated the liberation of the bulk carrier Golden Arsenal.
The master reported that the crew had implemented Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP-MS), stopped the vessel, activated the distress alert, and mustered in the citadel.
“Atalanta” indicated that its command immediately began communicating with maritime partners operating in the region, including the Combined Maritime Forces, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Indian Navy, the IFC-IOR, and regional maritime authorities, to support a coordinated response to the incident, “and a Republic of Korea Navy warship proceeded towards the vessel, followed by Indian Navy warship INS Trikand, which deployed her helicopter and boarding team.”
It further noted that the Indian Navy team boarded the ship, secured it, ensured there were no pirates onboard, and enabled the crew to safely leave the citadel.
No injuries were reported, despite some observed damage to equipment and structures.
According to the Indian Navy, the bulk carrier was carrying 21 crew members, including one Indian national. The navy said the vessel “reported an attempted pirate attack approximately 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti on the afternoon of July 1.”
Specialist teams from INS Trikand boarded the vessel and carried out sanitisation operation. The team confirmed that no suspicious personnel were found onboard.
During the incident, the Indian Navy team moved the crew from the citadel and assisted in restoring the vessel to operational readiness for the continuation of her voyage.
According to a statement from the Indian Navy spokesperson, the vessel has resumed her voyage.
Based on the current piracy situation, it is considered likely that a Pirate Action Group (PAG) is in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).
A second attempted pirate attack to another merchant vessel took place in the surrounding area.
EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA said there are currently three ongoing piracy cases in the Somali Basin involving the motor tanker Honour 25, the motor tanker Eureka and the merchant vessel Sward.
Operation ATALANTA encourages merchant and other vulnerable vessels operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and register in the MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme.
IMO secretary-general calls for urgent release of 44 seafarers held by pirates
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez has appealed for urgent international efforts to secure the safe release of 44 seafarers held captive in Somali waters by pirates and armed robbers.
In accordance with the IMO, the seafarers are being held aboard three detained vessels – the MT Honour 25, Eureka and Sward – which were hijacked in separate incidents between April and May off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.
“These incidents are a stark reminder that the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery to seafarers has not receded and continues to warrant vigilance and support for coordinated action,” secretary-general Dominguez said, addressing the IMO Council as it meets in London this week (6-10 July). “I ask for your support in securing their safe release,” he stressed.
Dominguez reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside flag States, coastal States, regional bodies and industry to secure the seafarers’ release and end their ordeal.
He urged shipowners and operators to take all necessary precautions to protect crews, including implementing the Best Management Practices for Maritime Security and conducting thorough risk assessments before transiting the region.
Tackling rising maritime security threats
The incidents have highlighted worsening trends in global maritime security, particularly for piracy and armed robbery in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Over the past three months alone, IMO has recorded 24 attempted and actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region, involving increasingly dangerous weapons and escalating violence against seafarers.
Globally, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea increased by 17% between 2024 and 2025, rising from 146 incidents to 171.
