Wednesday December 18, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali pirates have issued a $10 million ransom demand for a Chinese-owned fishing vessel and its 18 crew members, amplifying concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the waters off Puntland’s northeastern coast.
The hijacking occurred on December 5 near Hafun district, where the vessel now remains under the control of heavily armed pirates. Adding a layer of betrayal to the drama, the hijackers include security personnel initially hired to protect the ship.
Attempts to negotiate the crew’s release have so far failed. A Somali company linked to the ship’s operations reportedly offered $1 million, but the pirates rejected the proposal. With a multi-million dollar demand on the table, Puntland authorities and international observers are watching closely.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), under its Operation Atalanta mission, has classified the incident as “armed robbery at sea.” Naval assets have been dispatched near the vessel to monitor the situation and support ongoing negotiations. “The crew remains unharmed, and we are actively coordinating with Somali and Chinese authorities,” a spokesperson for EUNAVFOR stated.
Puntland’s administration has taken a firm stance against paying the ransom. Security forces are reportedly weighing options for a potential rescue operation should peaceful efforts fail.
“We cannot allow piracy to thrive in our waters,” a senior Puntland official said. “Negotiation is not an option.”
The vessel’s captors, wary of Puntland’s coastguards and international naval forces, have kept the ship moving along the coast. Local business leaders, hoping to mediate, have thus far been rebuffed by the pirates.
The hijacking is part of a troubling resurgence in Somali piracy, which had diminished after international naval patrols curbed activity between 2008 and 2012. However, reduced maritime security and shifting shipping routes have created fresh opportunities for pirates.
According to EUNAVFOR, Somali waters have seen 43 piracy-related incidents since November 2023, including 27 confirmed attacks. The March hijacking of the MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi bulk carrier released after a multimillion-dollar ransom, underscores the growing sophistication of Somali pirates.
Experts point to Somalia’s persistent economic struggles, illegal fishing by foreign fleets, and governance gaps as key drivers of the problem. Pirates increasingly use hijacked vessels as floating bases to strike farther offshore, presenting a challenge for global shipping and security forces.