A Yemeni-flagged dhow has reportedly been attacked off Eyl on Somalia’s Northern coast of Puntland, according to the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta. The unnamed fishing vessel is reported to be flagged in Yemen.
The suspected pirate attack, which occurred on February 9, is under investigation. EUNAVFOR said that it is in contact and coordination with maritime security partners in the area of operations.
Atalanta highlighted that after five years of no cases of piracy, another ship was hijacked in November 2023. More than one year later, Atalanta forces visited the ship in a Friendly approach.
This Friendly Approach was made to the ship which was pirated back in November 2023 off the coast of Somalia and freed at the beginning of December 2023.
Atalanta explains that Friendly approaches are conducted in order to achieve a deeper situational understanding in a specific area, and to obtain further knowledge of the pattern of life amongst traders and local and regional fishermen.
These interactions are carried out with the consent of the crews of the fishing vessels visited by ATALANTA forces. The main goals are the exchange of information, mutual trust, knowledge of the maritime safety situation in the area and monitor of possible illegal activities such as piracy and illegal fishing.
After five years without any cases of piracy, this marked a turning point, Operation Atalanta says. From that date until today, there have been 44 cases of piracy. At the height of piracy in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 ships were being held by pirates.
On the other hand, 6 alleged pirates were handed over by Operation Atalanta to Seychelles authorities in May 2024. The current total number of alleged pirates transferred to competent authorities is 177.
