The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed two piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia on November 7, marking another escalation in regional threats.
In the first case, a merchant vessel approximately 528 nautical miles southeast of Eyl reported being approached by a small skiff carrying three individuals. The crew increased speed and successfully outran the approaching craft, which later returned to a suspected mothership identified as Issa Mohhamdi.
According to UKMTO report later the same day, another vessel was attacked about 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl. The ship’s Master has reported being approached by 1 small craft on its stern. Unauthorised personnel of the craft opened fire with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades and managed to board the ship. Coalition forces have since secured the vessel, and all crew members, who had sheltered in the citadel, have been confirmed safe and well.
The incidents follows a series of piracy-related events in the region, including recent attacks on the Stolt Sagaland and Hellas Aphrodite. UKMTO has advised all vessels in the area to remain on high alert and report any suspicious activity.
Maritime security sources have noted that organized Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) are now operating hundreds of miles offshore, reportedly using hijacked dhows as motherships and employing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.
MSCIO has classified the threat level in the area as critical, following what analysts describe as a coordinated and worrying return of pirate networks after years of relative calm.
