06 Dec 2024 | 01:52 PM UTC
Somalia: Chinese fishing vessel hijacked off the coast of Garmaal Nov. 27
Unknown assailants hijack Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of Garmaal, Nov. 27. No casualties reported.
The European Union Naval Force Operation (EUNAVFOR) announced on Dec. 5 that armed assailants have hijacked a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of Garmaal. As of Dec. 6, the vessel remains within Somalian territorial waters. There are 18 crewmembers on board, and no casualties have been reported. Further details are unavailable.
A heightened naval security presence is likely off the coast of Somalia until the crew is released or maritime forces intervene.
Exercise a high degree of caution if operating in piracy-prone areas. Ship operators should implement best management practices (BMP5) to mitigate piracy-associated threats. Companies should regularly review their ship security assessment and plan under the International Ship and Facility Security Code (ISPS), particularly in piracy-prone areas. Companies are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all pirate activity, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to local and international naval authorities.
Even though instances of piracy off Somalia have declined significantly in recent years, incidents have still been reported. EUNAVFOR announced that at least 43 incidents had been reported between November 2023 and October 2024.
