Skiff incident brings Somali Basin piracy fears to the forefront again

April 30 ------ A merchant vessel transiting southbound through the Somali Basin was approached by a single skiff, approximately 470 nautical miles off Somalia, east-northeast of Mogadishu, according to Diaplous Group.

As explained, the skiff, carrying an estimated 6–7 persons dressed in black clothing, approached from the vessel’s bow. Those onboard were observed carrying equipment assessed as suitable for boarding or climbing.

In response, the vessel’s armed security team implemented established onboard protocols, deploying externally and visibly displaying their weapons as a deterrent. Following this action, the skiff discontinued its approach and withdrew, reportedly heading back toward a suspected mothership located approximately 1.2 nautical miles from the vessel. No exchange of fire occurred, and there were no reports of boarding, injuries, or damage.

During the incident, the crew mustered at the designated station in accordance with emergency and security procedures. The situation has since concluded and the vessel has resumed its voyage to the next port of call.

According to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a Pirate Action Group is currently active in the Somali Basin, and the regional threat level has been raised to SUBSTANTIAL following a surge in piracy-related incidents.

EUNAVFOR ATALANTA has also confirmed two recent piracy incidents off the northern coast of Somalia involving the Motor Tanker HONOUR 25 and the merchant vessel SWARD. Additionally, ATALANTA is investigating the reported hijacking of a dhow that may be linked to the piracy incident involving SWARD.

MT HONOUR 25 piracy incident:

On 20 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA received an alert message from Puntland Maritime Police Forces reporting that the Fishing Vessel ALKHARY 2 was hijacked by a Pirate Action Group. The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) issued a warning to all vessels sailing in the vicinity.

On 21 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA reported an incident of piracy involving the Motor Tanker HONOUR 25, being the last known position 28 Nautical Miles Southeast of ALKHARY 2. Furthermore, a Japanese Maritime Patrol aircraft from the Combined Maritime Forces, flew over the area confirming the location of the HONOUR 25 inside Somalia’s territorial waters. Meanwhile, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets started to sail towards the pirated motor tanker and MSCIO issued a second warning to update the situation at sea.

On 22 April, Puntland Maritime Police Forces reported that ALKHARY 2 was released and all crew members were safe. They also stressed that the Pirate Action Group remained on board HONOUR 25.

On 25 April, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets reached the pirated Motor Tanker and gathered information about the situation on board.

ATALANTA assets remain in the vicinity of the vessel, which does not pose a threat to other vessels navigating in the area.

MV SWARD piracy incident:

In addition to the above piracy case, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is monitoring a second piracy incident affecting the Merchant Vessel SWARD. ATALANTA confirms that the vessel was pirated in the area of Dhinowda, Northern coast of Somalia on 26 April.

Recommendations:

Primary shipboard safety measures:

Maintain heightened watch in accordance with BMP MS 2025, preserve maneuvering room, keep CPA from unidentified or fast craft at ≥2.0 nm where practicable, rig barriers and fire hoses, and be prepared to increase speed and conduct evasive maneuvers.

Reporting requirements and channels:

Report suspicious approaches immediately to UKMTO and MSCIO with position, bearings, ranges, CPA history, photos or video, radar and AIS plots, and continue rolling updates until clear.

Additional security measures and drills:

Conduct security musters, verify citadel readiness, restrict non-essential deck work, test internal communications, brief crew on small-craft encounter procedures, and preserve CCTV, logs, and any physical evidence.

Communications and coordination guidance:

Maintain continuous monitoring on VHF, distress and safety channels, ensure satellite communications redundancy, deconflict with nearby traffic, and coordinate with any tasked naval units or maritime security authorities.

Any further general guidance:

Treat skiff approaches with multiple persons onboard, especially where clothing, behavior, or approach geometry appears suspicious, as potential pirate action group indicators. Avoid unnecessary loitering in the wider area and review routing and security posture.

Source: safety4sea.com