PIRACY INCIDENTS OFF THE NORTHERN COAST OF SOMALIA
EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA confirms two piracy incidents in the Northern coast of Somalia: Motor Tanker HONOUR 25 and Merchant Vessel SWARD. In addition, ATALANTA is investigating the hijacking of a dhow potentially linked with the piracy of the Merchant Vessel SWARD.
MT HONOUR 25 piracy incident:
On 20 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA received an alert message from Puntland Maritime Police Forces reporting that the Fishing Vessel ALKHARY 2 was hijacked by a Pirate Action Group. The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) issued a warning to all vessels sailing in the vicinity.
On 21 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA reported an incident of piracy involving the Motor Tanker HONOUR 25, being the last known position 28 Nautical Miles Southeast of ALKHARY 2. Furthermore, a Japanese Maritime Patrol aircraft from the Combined Maritime Forces, flew over the area confirming the location of the HONOUR 25 inside Somalia’s territorial waters. Meanwhile, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets started to sail towards the pirated motor tanker and MSCIO issued a second warning to update the situation at sea.
On 22 April, Puntland Maritime Police Forces reported that ALKHARY 2 was released and all crew members were safe. They also stressed that the Pirate Action Group remained on board HONOUR 25.
On 25 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets reached the pirated Motor Tanker and gathered information about the situation on board.
ATALANTA assets remain in the vicinity of the vessel, which does not pose a threat to other vessels navigating in the area.
MV SWARD piracy incident:
In addition to the above piracy case, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is monitoring a second piracy incident affecting the Merchant Vessel SWARD. ATALANTA confirms that the vessel was pirated in the area of Dhinowda, Northern coast of Somalia on 26 April.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA continues to be in direct contact with Somali forces, exchanging relevant information effectively on both piracy episodes.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA has reaffirmed its role as a key maritime security actor in the Western Indian Ocean since 2008. By deterring piracy and protecting vital shipping routes, the operation helps ensure the safe delivery of goods.
Source : EUNAVFOR ATALANTA
