During the last weeks reports on pirate attacks off shore Somalia come thick and fast. Next an overview on the current situation based on my request to EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta (response of Commander Jacqueline Sherriff MBE Royal Navy – Spokesperson Operation Atalanta):

Somalias pirates are back in business – photo: Jason R. Zalasky / Wikipedia / CC-Licence

Fuel tanker, MT ARIS13, was pirated on Monday 13 March.  The ship and all the crew were released on Thursday 16 March.

Dhow CASAYR 2: It is understood that unknown armed men went on board the dhow on Sunday 26 March off the east coast of Somalia.  The vessel was under their control for 2 days, before the armed men departed the vessel.  Further details about the incident are unknown.

Dhow, Al Kausar, was pirated on Monday 3 April.  We understand that the suspected pirates departed the vessel Monday 10 April.  EU NAVFOR is working with counter-piracy partners to confirm the status of the crew.  Some media reports have stated that 9 of the crew are now ashore.           

SALAMA1 –  We are aware of media reports regarding possible pirating of a dhow Salama 1. We have investigated and found no information regarding this.

Bulk carrier, MV OS-35 was pirated on Saturday 8 April.  The crew and ship were released on Sunday 9 April.  

 An up-to-date report on ative Somali pirate clans an militias on „The Maritime Executive“.