Piracy Attack on Merchant Vessel Basilisk in Indian Ocean: EU Forces Respond

Assailants of unidentifiable source have boarded the merchant vessel Basilisk in the Indian Ocean, marking a new piracy attack in the region. The 17,800-dwt multipurpose vessel, owned by German company Minmarine MPP Shipmanagement, had its crew take refuge in the ship’s citadel while maritime authorities were alerted. The European Union naval force EUNAVFOR was the first responder and is taking appropriate actions.

Minmarine MPP Shipmanagement emphasized the safety and well-being of the 17 seafarers on board the Basilisk. The Royal Navy’s UKMTO previously reported the unauthorized boarding of a merchant vessel by unknown individuals southeast of Merca, Somalia. Maritime security intelligence firm Diaplous confirmed this report, identifying the ship as a Liberia-flag general cargo vessel matching the description of the Basilisk, owned by Massoel Meridian.

Somali piracy has been on the rise in recent months, coinciding with attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The European Union has expressed concerns about the reported payment of a $5 million ransom to release the bulker Abdullah, potentially emboldening pirates. The Indian Navy and EU forces have apprehended several pirates in the region, where merchant ships and small fishing boats are targeted, potentially for future use in attacks on larger vessels.

Source .