EUNAVFOR ATALANTA confirms the release of the “AL NAJMA”, the Yemeni fishing boat hijacked off Eyl, Northern coast of Puntland (Somalia). On 8 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was informed of a suspected pirate attack on a Yemeni-flagged dhow* off Eyl. The incident was classified as ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA**.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA naval and air assets were deployed in the area, conducted an intensive search and succeeded in locating the dhow, which was released when sailing very close to the Somali coast. The immediate presence of ATALANTA forces in the area, especially the helicopter, was decisive in the fishing vessel liberation. The forces went on board to grant security and check the condition of the crew. No injuries were reported and the 12 crew members were safe.
The ATALANTA boarding team proceeded to collect all possible evidence of the incident, which is still under investigation. Additionally, the fishing boat was assisted by the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA asset after a malfunction on the dhow’s engine. The crew confirmed that the alleged pirates abandoned the vessel after stealing personal objects and two skiffs belonging to the dhow.
Throughout the incident, contacts and coordination with maritime security partners in the Area of Operations were conducted. Pivotal exchange of information was shared with the Somali forces, Yemeni Coast Guard and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly with the Japanese Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA remains vigilant to any piracy-related events in its Area of Operations to ensure the maritime security. Operation ATALANTA strongly recommends merchant and other vulnerable vessels to register in the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO)'s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS), to provide the most effective monitoring and response by ATALANTA forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats. Information and recommendations by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA experts are available and is regularly updated on the MSCIO website (www.mscio.eu).
*Regional fishing boat.
**ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA: piracy case within territorial waters.
