Pirates Hijack Chinese-Owned Fishing Vessel, Demand $10 Million Ransom

A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked by pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia, who are now demanding a ransom of $10 million. The incident, classified as “robbery at sea” by the EU’s anti-piracy naval force, highlights ongoing maritime security issues in the region, despite a decline in piracy since 2011.

Pirates have seized a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off the northeastern coast of Somalia and are demanding a ransom of $10 million for the release of its 18 crew members. The hijacking occurred in late November, and the ship is currently being held in the Xaafuun district of Puntland. The pirates have shared images on social media showing their captives surrounded by armed men on the ship’s deck. According to a Somali government official, while the vessel had a fishing license issued by Puntland in 2020, it had expired prior to the hijacking. The European Union naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, has categorized the incident as “robbery at sea,” highlighting the ongoing issues with maritime security in Somali waters. Despite a significant decline in piracy activity since its peak in 2011 due to international naval presence, incidents like this continue to pose serious challenges.

Somalia has long faced challenges related to piracy, particularly along its coastline, where such incidents peaked in 2011 with over 160 reported attacks. The presence of naval forces from the United States and allied nations has contributed to a notable decrease in maritime piracy incidents. Nonetheless, the latest hijacking of the Chinese fishing vessel reflects the ongoing vulnerabilities in the region, underscoring how piracy remains a significant threat to maritime security despite improvements over the past decade.

The recent hijacking of a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off the coast of Somalia, involving a $10 million ransom demand for 18 crew members, illustrates the persistent challenges faced in maritime security. While piracy events have diminished significantly since their peak in 2011, the re-emergence of such incidents emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and effective measures to ensure safe navigation in Somali waters. The involvement of international naval forces remains crucial in combating this ongoing threat.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com