Pirates Demand $10 Million Ransom for Captive Crew of Hijacked Fishing Vessel

Pirates have hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off Somalia’s coast and are demanding a $10 million ransom for the release of 18 crew members. Images of the captives have been shared on social media, and the vessel is being held in Puntland. Although piracy incidents have declined since 2011, this incident reflects ongoing security challenges in the region.

A Somali official confirmed that pirates who seized a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off the northeastern coast of Somalia last month are demanding a ransom of $10 million for the safe return of the 18 crew members. The vessel was hijacked in late November and is currently being held in the Xaafuun district of Puntland, where the crew is reportedly under guard by armed men. The pirates have circulated images on social media showing the captives surrounded by their captors on deck. Although the ship previously possessed a fishing license issued by Puntland in 2020, it has since expired. The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force has categorized the incident as a ‘robbery at sea,’ highlighting ongoing security concerns in Somalia’s waters. Despite a significant decline in piracy attacks since 2011, this incident demonstrates the persistent risks associated with maritime operations in the region.

Piracy has long been a significant issue off the coast of Somalia, with peak activity occurring in 2011 when over 160 attacks were recorded, according to the United Nations. Efforts to combat piracy have included increased naval presence from the United States and allied forces in international waters, effectively reducing incidents over the past decade. However, the recent hijacking of a Chinese fishing vessel indicates that challenges in maritime security persist, necessitating ongoing vigilance and cooperative international measures to protect seafarers.

The demand for $10 million in ransom by pirates who hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing ship with 18 crew members last month underscores the ongoing threat of piracy in Somali waters. Despite previous reductions in piracy incidents due to enhanced naval presence, this event highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the region. The government’s acknowledgment of the expired fishing license raises questions about the regulatory oversight of vessels operating in these precarious waters.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com