NAIROBI – A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members aboard was hijacked last week off the coast of northeastern Somalia, authorities confirmed on Friday. The ship is currently being held in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland.
An official from Xaafuun district, where the vessel is being detained, revealed that the hijackers included the ship’s security guards, who reportedly joined forces with armed men from the region.
The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, brought global attention to the incident on Thursday. In a statement, Eunavfor confirmed that local maritime authorities had notified them of the hijacking, adding that armed men were in control of the vessel.
“Regarding the crewmembers, there are up to 18 people. None has been injured. After investigation, the event has been classified as armed robbery at sea,” the statement read.
A local businessman familiar with the situation, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, shared additional details with The Associated Press.
He explained that the vessel, one of 10 licensed to operate in Somali waters by the Puntland administration, had two security guards aboard at the time of the hijacking.
The ship was initially taken to Jiifle, in Godobjiraan district, and has since been moved multiple times. It is now believed to be located in Maraya, a coastal village under the jurisdiction of Eyl district.
Source: News Agencies
