Incident Alert – Vessel Hijack Reported Near Eyl, Somalia

Incident Alert – Vessel Hijack Reported Near Eyl, Somalia
Date: 22 December 2023 1222 UTC
Position: Lat 07°58 N Long 50°23 E (Approx)
Location: In the vicinity of Eyl, Somalia

 

Incident Details

The UKMTO has released Warning 017/DEC/2023 regarding the report of an incident in the vicinity of Eyl, Somalia. MSCHOA also released an Alert stating that 20 assailants had hijacked a Dhow off the Somali coast near Eyl. Vessels are advised to keep clear of the area.

Vessel Hijack Reported Near Eyl, Somalia

 

Comment

If confirmed, this appears to be the latest in a series of hijack incidents off the coast of Puntland, Somalia during the last month. In November 2023, 2 Iranian Fishing Dhows were hijacked, 1 of which was believed to have been used later as a mothership to hijack the Bulgarian bulk carrier RUEN which remains in the hands of the captors.

Assessment

It was believed at the time that the motivation behind the seizure of the 2 Iranian fishing vessels was Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) and it is possible this latest incident may be related to IUU, however, the taking of a Dhow by a Pirate Action Group cannot be ruled out. Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and avoid the area if possible.