Somali Pirates Demand $10M for Hijacked Fishing Vessel
Pirates who hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members off Somalia’s northeastern coast last month are demanding $10 million in ransom. Photos shared on social media show the captives surrounded by armed men on the ship’s deck, which is currently held in the Xaafuun district of Puntland.
The vessel, initially licensed to fish in Puntland in 2020, had an expired license at the time of the hijacking. A Somali government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the ransom demand but did not provide further details. Reports indicate that the ship’s security guards collaborated with the armed hijackers.
The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, has classified the incident as “robbery at sea.” While piracy off the Somali coast has declined significantly since its peak in 2011—when over 160 attacks were recorded—the hijacking highlights the ongoing risks in the region.
Efforts to combat piracy have largely been successful due to the presence of American and allied naval forces in international waters. However, the latest incident underscores persistent vulnerabilities in Somalia’s maritime security framework, reigniting concerns about the safety of vessels in the area.