High Seas Vigil: Operation Atalanta Tracks Pirates Linked to Recent Somali Attacks

NAIROBI, Kenya — European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta said Wednesday that it is closely monitoring a pirate group linked to several attacks off Somalia last week. Officials said there is no immediate threat to commercial vessels from the group.

In a social media post on X, Operation Atalanta said the pirates remain in the area under surveillance and protection measures. Commercial ships were urged to maintain heightened vigilance and report any suspicious activity.

Separately, maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the hijacked vessel Issamohamadi, linked to the recent pirate attacks, is now under the protection of Indian naval forces as they escort it toward Somali waters. Ambrey said the threat to commercial shipping remains very low due to the naval presence, but advised vessels to keep a safe distance from the group.

Since November 2, Operation Atalanta has recorded several piracy-related incidents near Somalia’s coast. The most serious involved the hijacking of the tanker MR Hellas Aphrodite, owned by Latsco. International naval forces coordinated a rescue operation that freed all 24 crew members, who had taken refuge in the ship’s citadel during the attack.

Last month, the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported no piracy attacks off Somalia’s coast for nearly a month. The bureau, however, urged continued vigilance, noting that 26 seafarers remain held hostage across two hijacked fishing vessels.

GAROWE ONLINE