The US Maritime Administration has issued a new advisory for shipping in response to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The guidelines focus on high-risk areas such as the southern Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, acknowledging threats from Houthi attacks, Somali piracy, and Iranian forces. The advisory emphasizes vigilance and international cooperation.
The European Union’s Operation ATALANTA is monitoring the hijacking of the Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier M/V Abdullah by Somali pirates. The ship, currently anchored off the coast of Somalia, was taken over by armed pirates, with the 23 crew members held hostage. Concerns grow over potential pirate attacks in the region.
A British watchdog and Ambrey reported a ship boarded off Somalia by unauthorized persons now in control. The incident occurred 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. If confirmed as a pirate attack, it raises concerns about a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean, the first hijacking since 2017.
India has submitted three papers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) addressing current issues regarding the security and contracting terms of seafarers. The upcoming 111th Session of the Legal Committee (LEG) will focus on fair treatment of seafarers and unlawful activities at sea, advocating for a holistic approach to maritime security and better contracts.
Recent activity in the Indian Ocean raises concerns about a resurgence in Somali piracy. The Maritime Security Center Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) believes at least two pirate groups are currently active. Recent incidents point to pirate activity, suggesting a possible resurgence in Somali piracy after the end of the monsoon season.
COLOMBO, Jan 29 (Reuters) – Six crew members of a Sri Lankan fishing trawler hijacked by suspected Somali pirates have been rescued, Sri Lankan officials said on Monday. Sunday’s hijacking was the latest in a series of attacks that have raised fears of a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea waters after years without a successful raid. Pirates, who wreaked havoc on major waterways from 2008 to 2018, appear to be taking advantage of unrest caused by attacks on ships by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group.
