Somali Pirates Resurface as Monsoon Season Ends, Prompting Maritime Warnings

Friday, 25 October 2024 

As the monsoon season draws to a close, Somali pirates are making a return to the Indian Ocean, raising alarms among maritime security officials. According to the European Union’s naval force, EU NAVFOR, 13 armed suspects were spotted departing from Ceel Huur, near Hobyo, heading into the Indian Ocean.

The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) warned seafarers of the potential resurgence, advising all vessels to “proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity”. The EOS Risk Group has reinforced this message, stating that they have alerted their clients that that “Somali Piracy is likely to return”

Pirate activity off the Somali coast has saw a resurgence after several years of dormancy, being embolden by the activity in the Re Sea. This uptick began following the hijacking of an Iranian fishing vessel last year, which has since spurred a renewed wave of piracy incidents. Recent reports indicate a growing demand for maritime security in response to this emerging threat.

Adding to the concerns, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a Chinese-flagged bulk vessel was approached by five small vessels south of Aden on Wednesday. The vessel’s onboard security team fired warning shots, though it remains unclear whether the aggressors originated from Somalia or Yemen.

In light of these developments, EU NAVFOR is urging vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any unusual activities. As Somali pirates increasingly venture back into the waters, the maritime community remains on high alert for potential attacks in the region.

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