Operation ATALANTA has been monitoring a Piracy Active Group which hijacked the Iranian-flagged dhow "ALWASEEMI 786" off the coast of Somalia in late March.
Chronology of the incident:
On 24 March, Operation ATALANTA was informed that an Iranian-flagged dhow was hijacked by a Pirate Action Group 400 nautical miles East of Mogadishu. The modus operandi reflected a highly likely use of the hijacked fishing vessel as mothership, proceeding to high seas and attempting to pirate larger vessels.
Vessels operating in the vicinity were contacted by Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) to avoid transiting within a 200 nautical miles radius of the reported position of the hijacked dhow. In addition, MSCIO recommended to maintain enhanced vigilance, being prepared to implement Best Management Practices Maritime Security measures and report any suspicious activity immediately.
On 25 March, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA asset closed distance, ready to take the appropriate actions to respond effectively to the piracy event.
On 27 March, 48 hours later, ATALANTA asset located the dhow 480 nautical miles Southeast of Mogadishu and verified the identity. During the following days, the warship closed distance to the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel and maintained a cover posture. Meanwhile her embarked air means were gathering relevant information to assess the situation on board.
At the same time, the second EUNAVFOR ATALANTA asset started to move from the Gulf of Aden, her designated patrolling area, to the hijacked dhow latest location in order to join the counter-piracy operation as soon as possible.
Since 30 March, the ATALANTA assets confirmed the hijack of the dhow, which remains totally isolated and any possibility of pirating a larger vessel has been disrupted.
Current situation:
The dhow is proceeding eastbound heading Somali coast, close monitored by both ATALANTA assets. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA maintains a permanent contact with the relevant Somali authorities to reassure the liberation of the dhow and crew, and facilitate the detection of the piracy group members.
Collaboration with regional and international forces in the area including Somali Police Force – Coast Guard Department, Somali Navy, Puntland Maritime Police Forces, Combined Maritime Forces, Spanish Joint Operations Command, Seychelles Armed Forces and INTERPOL has been key for continuing monitoring the incident.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA reaffirms its role as a key maritime security actor since 2008 in the Western Indian Ocean.
This information will be updated in further communications, based on the security of operations.