Written by 11:49 am Somalia • 17 Comments

Piracy Incident Aboard German Cargo Ship Off Somalia Being Investigated

The waters off the coast of Somalia have once again become the stage for a piracy incident, as forces from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta respond to an unfolding situation involving the Liberian-registered cargo ship, Basilisk. As details continue to emerge, the incident underscores the persistent threat of piracy in this region, despite ongoing international efforts to curb such activities.

The Incident

The Basilisk, a general multipurpose dry cargo ship built in 2013 and managed by MINSHIP Shipmanagement of Germany, was reportedly approached by two small crafts off the coast of Somalia. The vessel’s last Automated Identification System (AIS) signal was transmitted two days ago when it was located north of Madagascar. At that time, the Basilisk was en route from Porto Grande in Cape Verde, having departed on May 3, and was expected to arrive in Khalifa, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on May 29.

EUNAVFOR Atalanta has placed the ship approximately 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heading north. The UK Maritime Trade Organization has also tracked the vessel, placing it about 420 nautical miles southeast of Merca, Somalia. These reports suggest the vessel was traversing a well-known high-risk area for piracy.

Crew Response and Current Status

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the crew of the Basilisk managed to secure themselves in the ship’s citadel, a designated safe area designed to protect the crew during a piracy attack. The citadel’s role is crucial as it buys time for naval forces to reach and rescue the crew. EUNAVFOR Atalanta has confirmed that one of its warships is in the vicinity and is the first to respond to the incident, providing hope for a swift resolution.

Background and Recent Incidents

This incident follows a pattern observed in recent weeks. Just last week, there were reports of pirates hijacking another fishing dhow off the coast of Somalia. Historically, EUNAVFOR Atalanta has noted that attacks on merchant ships tend to occur within 12 days following reports of dhow hijackings, suggesting a possible correlation and strategic planning on the part of the pirates.

In another notable event last week, a Spanish frigate operating with EU forces captured pirates who had approached the oil product tanker, Chrystal Arctic. Six individuals were apprehended and subsequently taken to the Seychelles for prosecution on charges of attempted piracy. These efforts highlight the ongoing commitment of international naval forces to combat piracy and ensure the safety of maritime routes.

Persistent Threats and Strategic Warnings

Despite these successes, the threat of piracy remains significant, particularly in areas around Socotra Island, closer to Yemen. EUNAVFOR Atalanta has issued strong warnings about at least two active pirate groups in that area. The strategic importance of these waters and the high volume of maritime traffic make them a lucrative target for pirates, necessitating continued vigilance and international cooperation.

The piracy incident involving the Basilisk underscores the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations in high-risk areas. While international naval forces like EUNAVFOR Atalanta play a critical role in responding to and mitigating piracy threats, the need for robust security measures and coordinated efforts remains paramount. As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of the Basilisk’s crew and preventing future incidents in these perilous waters.

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