The spotlight is once again on Somali piracy after a sudden escalation: four attacks in just four days, including two successful hijackings. This wave of violence has forced the authorities to raise security levels, urging merchant ships in the area to remain on high alert.
According to the British agency UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations), the latest incident involved a cargo ship six miles off Garacad, which was hijacked by a commando unit and towed towards the Somali coast. This is the second such incident in less than a week. Just a few days earlier, on 21st April, the oil tanker Honour 25 (flying the Palauan flag) had been boarded by six armed men who took control of the vessel, along with its 17 crew members and a cargo of 18,500 barrels of oil. The spate of attacks also includes the hijacking of a local fishing boat near Xaafuun and a failed boarding attempt off the coast of Eyl.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, the Joint Maritime Information Centre has classified the threat as “substantial”, warning that further attacks are highly likely.
This resurgence of piracy comes at a critical time for the region’s stability: with the Strait of Hormuz paralysed by tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance— which have left around 1,000 ships stranded in the Gulf — and fears of new Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the safety of maritime corridors is at an all-time low.
What is surprising is the speed of this escalation: just three weeks ago, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) was celebrating the least violent quarter since 1991, with only 16 incidents in total – 29 fewer than the previous year.
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The IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre (RPC) has reported 14 vessels boarded, one attempted attack and one ship hijacked.
During the period under review, only two incidents of kidnapping involving seafarers were reported. In 94% of the reported incidents, the vessels were boarded.
The Singapore Strait remains one of the most dangerous areas: 50% of all reported incidents recorded during the period took place in this area. Nevertheless, the number of incidents in the region has fallen by over two-thirds compared with the previous year.
Prior to the escalation in April, only two incidents had been reported in Somali waters between January and March: one attempted attack and one hijacking.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said that reported incidents were now at an all-time low, highlighting how the continuous updating of data and international cooperation can help to effectively combat piracy around the world.
Mr. Howlett stressed, however, that it is essential to remain constantly vigilant to support seafarers and shipping companies.
Translation by Giles Foster