Armed Robbery at Sea Revives Concerns Over Maritime Security in Somali Waters after Hijackers Steal a Chinese Vessel And Hold 18 Crew Members Hostage
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A Chinese vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked off the northeastern coast of Somalia, Somali authorities confirmed on Friday.
Officials in Xaafuun district, part of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland state, revealed that the hijackers include members of the vessel’s security team, who later collaborated with armed men from the coastal region to seize the ship.
The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, issued a statement on Thursday, confirming local authorities had reported the incident. Initial investigations classified it as “armed robbery at sea.”
“Regarding the crewmembers, there are up to 18 people. None has been injured,”
the statement noted, adding that armed men remain in control of the ship.
Vessel Moved Between Locations
A local businessman, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, disclosed that the hijacked vessel is one of ten licensed by Puntland authorities to operate in Somali waters. The ship’s license had been valid for three years, he added.
“The hijackers initially took the ship to Jiifle, in the Godobjiraan district, but it has since been moved between multiple coastal areas. Its current location is believed to be Maraya village, under Eyl district jurisdiction,”
the source revealed.
Registered under Taiwan’s flag, the vessel is locally represented by a Puntland businessman. Unconfirmed reports suggest the hijackers demanded a $5 million ransom but were offered $1 million, which they allegedly rejected. Somali authorities have yet to verify these claims.
Somalia’s Troubled Waters
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing Somali waters, which were once the epicenter of global piracy. The U.N. recorded over 160 attacks off Somalia’s coast in 2011, but incidents have significantly declined due to increased naval patrols by American and allied forces.
Local authorities say an investigation is underway, but the hijacking serves as a grim reminder of the fragile state of maritime security in the region.
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