[News] At least two pirate groups deployed in the Western Indian Ocean, Atalanta alert
(B2) Several pirate attacks, sometimes successful, have followed one another in the Indian Ocean and off the coast of Somalia over the past six months. And the risk could increase in the months that follow, warn those responsible for the European maritime anti-piracy operation.
The end of the monsoon period = increased risk of attack
Since the end of November 2023, multiple incidents of piracy and hijacking have taken place in the Somali basin. Recently there was a “ notable increase in reported events ". And piracy attacks off the Somali coast could improve with the improvement of the weather. There " end of monsoon period could further facilitate piracy activities in the region » warns the latest maritime threat analysis bulletin from the European operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta.
A serious risk
The possibility of attacks in the Gulf of Aden cannot be ruled out, mainly in the eastern part », Indicates this maritime bulletin. The threat is today considered to be “ moderate ". But it must be taken very seriously into account by merchant ships which must redouble their attention in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. especially those within 700 nautical miles of the Somali coast ».
At least two pirate groups
At least two Pirate Action Groups (PAG) are currently operating off the coast of Somalia, in the area around the island of Socotra (Yemen) and 500 nautical miles east of this island. in the Arabian Sea. An Iranian dhow, the Al Fajr 2, was attacked on May 13; the pirates taking fuel and goods before fleeing the area by freeing the dhow. However, there are often “ notable attacks on merchant ships within twelve days of reports of dhow hijackings ».
Six to seven dhows in the hands of pirates
They have a certain number of dhows (or dhows), which can serve as mother ships. At least " 18 dhows in fact were hijacked ". Some were released. But " six to seven of them could still be in the hands of pirates ". Information on these ships is fragmentary.
Several pirate camps on the Somali coast
The operation also has more precise information, however, on pirate bases in Somalia. Several possible camps have thus been identified on the Somali coasts “ between Xaafuun and the village of Garacad, with a hot spot north ofEyl.” Where the MV Ruen and MV Abdullah hacked were “ held at anchor for several weeks”.
The hackers' modus operandi
The typical pirate strategy involves the seizure and hijacking of a dhow, which is then used as a mother ship. This one " then merges into the usual traffic and deploys skiffs », each carrying several armed individuals, often equipped with quite powerful engines. This tactic – mother boat + skiffs – makes it possible to attack ships up to distances sometimes very far from the Somali coast. They can thus “ sail up to 600 nautical miles or more, off the east coast of Somalia ».
Without a firm response from a ship, the pirates attack
« If the targeted ship cannot repel the attack, the pirates may choose to board the ship » warn the European military. “ Once a ship is seized, it is most likely taken to the coast of Somalia and held there during ransom negotiations. »
Beware of ransoms, a vicious circle can be created
The recent hijacking of the MV Abdullah thus ended with the release of the vessel against a ransom. Payment of ransoms could create a new wave of dhow hijackings which, in turn, would create future skiff attacks on merchant ships », Warns Atalanta. The risk of a new vicious circle allowing the rebirth of very active piracy must therefore be taken seriously.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
Overall, several attacks in recent months
Three merchant ships were attacked, one of which remained under pirate control for almost a month: the MV Abdullah, captured on March 12, was not released until April 14. Three other vessels reported suspicious approaches around Socotra and to the east of the island in the Arabian Sea.
A piracy attack failed on May 10 against the Chrystal Arctic, 100 nautical miles north of Bossaso (read: [News] A pirate attack off the coast of Somalia fails. Pirates injured and arrested v3).
A container ship, the MV Propel Progress, flying the Panamanian flag, reported a suspicious approach on Monday (May 13) near the Somali coast, southeast of Mogadishu. NB: he arrived safely in Kismayo in Somalia on May 15.
