Incident Alert  – Two Yemeni Fishing Vessel’s Hijacked off Somali Coast

Incident Alert  – Two Yemeni Fishing Vessel’s Hijacked off Somali Coast
Date: 12 January 2024 Position: 08° 19’14” N 050° 09’ 55” E

Location: Indian Ocean, approximately 30nm Northeast of Eyl, Somalia

 

Incident Details

It was reported by MSCHOA that two Yemeni fishing vessels were hijacked in Mareeyo, approximately 30nm Northeast of Eyl, Somalia. Vessels were advised to keep well clear of this position and to exercise extreme caution if in the vicinity.

Two Yemeni Fishing Vessel’s Hijacked off Somali Coast
Two Yemeni Fishing Vessel’s Hijacked off Somali Coast

 

Comment

If confirmed, this appears to be another in the recent spate of fishing vessel hijacks off the eastern coast of Somalia. Local media reports stated previously that these hijacked vessels have been taken to be used as pirate motherships and this cannot be ruled out in this instance. No other information was given regarding this incident.

Analysis

These particular fishing vessels may have been hijacked by locals due to their involvement in Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing activities, alternatively, they may have been taken to be used to conduct piracy as seen recently in incidents such as the hijack of MV RUEN. It is recommended that all vessels operating in this area follow BMP-5 counter-piracy measures and remain vigilant.