Suspected Somali pirates abandoned a Yemeni fishing vessel near the Horn of Africa after a five-day hijacking, according to EUNAVFOR Atalanta. The Saytuun-2, seized on February 17, was used as a potential mothership for targeting commercial ships before pirates fled with crew belongings. Authorities confirmed all mariners are now safe.
This incident follows a similar attack days earlier on another Yemeni boat, signaling a resurgence of Somali piracy.
The fishing vessel was vacated by the alleged pirates after they stole some of the crew’s belongings,stated EUNAVFOR. Pirates reportedly carried ladders and weapons, tools historically used for boarding larger vessels.
Somali piracy peaked in 2011 with 237 attacks costing the global economy $7 billion. While international patrols and Somalia’s stabilizing government reduced threats, recent developments have reversed progress:
- Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea disrupting trade routes
- Decreased naval presence near Somalia
- Political instability in Yemen
The International Maritime Bureau reports seven incidents off Somalia in 2024 alone. Analysts attribute this spike to regional conflicts, including spillover effects from the Israel-Hamas war. As Houthi strikes divert security resources, pirates exploit weakened maritime surveillance to relaunch operations.
EUNAVFOR warns commercial ships to maintain vigilance while transiting the Gulf of Aden. With piracy-related insurance premiums rising, the resurgence threatens both regional security and global shipping costs. Maritime experts urge renewed international cooperation to address this evolving crisis.