Piracy Resurfaces: $10 Million Ransom Demanded After Hijacking Chinese Fishing Vessel

Pirates have hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off Somalia’s northeastern coast, taking 18 crew members hostage and demanding a $10 million ransom. The incident, categorized as “robbery at sea” by the EU, highlights ongoing maritime security challenges, despite a decline in piracy since 2011 due to international naval presence.

In a recent incident off the northeastern coast of Somalia, pirates hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel, taking 18 crew members hostage and demanding a ransom of $10 million. This alarming situation came to light through a Somali official who indicated that the vessel was taken in late November and is currently held in the Xaafuun district of Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in Somalia. The hijackers have even shared images on social media depicting the crew members surrounded by armed men aboard the ship.

The fishing vessel reportedly possessed a fishing license issued by Puntland in 2020; however, this license has since expired. This detail was conveyed by a Somali government official who requested anonymity, as he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter. The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, has categorized the act as “robbery at sea,” thereby underlining the gravity of the situation.

This hijacking is indicative of the ongoing issues pertaining to maritime security in Somalia’s waters. Despite a significant decline in piracy incidents since their peak in 2011—when over 160 attacks were recorded, according to the United Nations—the threat has not been fully eradicated. The presence of international naval forces, particularly from the United States and allied nations, has contributed to the reduction of such occurrences, yet this event highlights the vulnerabilities that continue to exist.

Maritime piracy has been a significant issue for Somalia for many years, particularly in the Somali waters off the northeastern coast. The peak of piracy occurred in 2011 when international attention was heightened due to a rapid increase in hijacking incidents. The factors contributing to piracy include economic instability and lack of a robust governmental presence. Following international military interventions, particularly by US and allied navies, incidents of piracy have decreased noticeably, but the threat remains, as demonstrated by this recent hijacking.

In summary, the hijacking of a Chinese-owned fishing vessel by pirates demands renewed focus on the challenges of maritime security in Somalia. With a ransom of $10 million requested for the release of 18 hostages, this incident reiterates the persistent risks in the region, despite previous efforts to curb piracy. The classification of this act as “robbery at sea” by the European Union emphasizes the seriousness of such crimes in international waters. Immediate actions and diplomatic engagements will be essential to address the safety of maritime operations in these troubled waters.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com