Resurgence of Somali Piracy: The Hijacking of the Yemeni-Flagged Dhow Al Najma

Picture this: On February 8, 2025, a Yemeni-flagged dhow named Al Najma was hijacked off the coast of Eyl, a town in the Puntland region of Somalia, notorious for pirate activity. This incident is part of a broader resurgence of piracy in the region since late 2023 Hiiraan.

The European Union’s naval mission, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, was informed of the suspected pirate attack on February 9 and swiftly deployed naval and air assets to locate the vessel. Following an intensive search, the dhow was successfully located and freed. This event underscores the ongoing maritime security concerns in the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden, highlighting the continued threat of piracy in the area Baird Maritime.

Context of Increased Piracy

The resurgence of Somali piracy has raised alarms among maritime security experts. Pirates have increasingly used hijacked dhows as “mother ships” to launch more extensive attacks hundreds of miles offshore in the Indian Ocean. The incidents of 2024 saw numerous attacks, including four merchant vessel boardings and several notable hijackings, amplifying the urgency for enhanced maritime security Maritime Executive.

Implications for Maritime Security

Building on that, security analysts warn that successful ransom payments to pirates could incentivize further attacks on commercial vessels, creating a vicious cycle of piracy that endangers maritime trade routes. EUNAVFOR Atalanta continues to maintain vigilance in the region and recommends that all merchant and vulnerable vessels register with the MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS) to ensure effective monitoring and response capabilities EUNAVFOR Atalanta.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Piecing it all together, this incident highlights the critical need for ongoing international cooperation and strengthened maritime security measures to combat piracy effectively. As maritime professionals, staying informed and proactive in the face of these threats is paramount gCaptain.

Sources

• EUNAVFOR Atalanta – LIBERATION OF THE “AL NAJMA” YEMENI-FLAGGED …
• gCaptain – Suspected Pirate Attack off Somalia Highlights Ongoing …
• Hiiraan – Somali pirates hijack Yemeni fishing boat, freed by EU …
• Baird Maritime – EU naval forces secure hijacked fishing boat off Somalia
• Maritime Executive – Suspected Somali Pirate Attack on Yemeni-Flagged …