Suspected Pirates Attack Another Yemeni Fishing Vessel Near Somalia

A suspected pirate attack was reported on February 17, 2025, involving a Yemeni-flagged dhow off Garmaal, near Eyl, along the northern coast of Puntland, Somalia.

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta has confirmed that the incident is under investigation.

According to EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the naval operation is closely coordinating with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the Yemeni Coast Guard, and the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF).

These security forces are actively monitoring the situation and sharing updates with shipping operators through the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website.

This incident comes just ten days after another attack on a Yemeni-flagged dhow, Al Najma, which was hijacked near Eyl on February 9. The vessel had 12 crew members on board when it was seized.

EUNAVFOR Atalanta launched a search operation, and when naval forces approached the vessel, the pirates fled after robbing the crew. Al Najma was freed on February 13.

Following the attacks, Operation Atalanta strongly advised merchant ships and other vulnerable vessels to register with MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS). Officials believe this will enhance monitoring and allow for faster responses to security threats.

EUNAVFOR Atalanta has been engaging directly with fishermen at sea through what it calls “Friendly Approaches.”

These interactions aim to provide guidance on security measures, address the challenges faced by fishing crews, and build trust in the region’s waterways.

In early 2024, piracy activity remained low, with no reported incidents between November and early February.

Reference: EUNAVFOR

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