THE 45,653-dwt Bangladeshi flagged bulker M/V Abdullah fell victim to armed pirates in the Indian Ocean, 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heralding a resurgence of somali piracy, reports Bangalore's MarineInsight.
With 23 crewmen onboard, the vessel has since navigated to the north-central coast of Somalia, anchoring at 0641N-04719E.
Although initial reports suggest the crew's safety, the EU's Operation ATALANTA remains vigilant.
Visual evidence reveals at least 12 pirates aboard the MV Abdullah, reminiscent of past piracy threats. Speculation arises about a potential link to the December hijacking of the bulk cargo ship Ruen, registered under the flag of Malta, possibly serving as a staging ground for further attacks.
EOS risk group Martin Kelly raises this concern, noting sightings of the Ruen heading eastward, hinting at heightened pirate activity in the region.
These recent incidents signal a revival of Somali piracy, following a lull since 2017 when the shipping industry downgraded the Indian Ocean's risk classification.
However, ongoing events, including Houthi assaults in the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, underscore persisting threats.
Authorities warn of numerous pirate groups operating from motherships in the Indian Ocean, with operational ranges extending up to 1,000 nautical miles from Somalia.
The Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) highlights the potential impact of ransom payments on future piracy trends, particularly as the monsoon season concludes and pirate operations escalate.
Vessels navigating these waters are advised to implement heightened security measures and maintain close communication with maritime authorities to stay abreast of potential hazards.
SeaNews Turkey
With 23 crewmen onboard, the vessel has since navigated to the north-central coast of Somalia, anchoring at 0641N-04719E.
Although initial reports suggest the crew's safety, the EU's Operation ATALANTA remains vigilant.
Visual evidence reveals at least 12 pirates aboard the MV Abdullah, reminiscent of past piracy threats. Speculation arises about a potential link to the December hijacking of the bulk cargo ship Ruen, registered under the flag of Malta, possibly serving as a staging ground for further attacks.
EOS risk group Martin Kelly raises this concern, noting sightings of the Ruen heading eastward, hinting at heightened pirate activity in the region.
These recent incidents signal a revival of Somali piracy, following a lull since 2017 when the shipping industry downgraded the Indian Ocean's risk classification.
However, ongoing events, including Houthi assaults in the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, underscore persisting threats.
Authorities warn of numerous pirate groups operating from motherships in the Indian Ocean, with operational ranges extending up to 1,000 nautical miles from Somalia.
The Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) highlights the potential impact of ransom payments on future piracy trends, particularly as the monsoon season concludes and pirate operations escalate.
Vessels navigating these waters are advised to implement heightened security measures and maintain close communication with maritime authorities to stay abreast of potential hazards.
SeaNews Turkey