Garowe(Mogadishu24)-Puntland State maritime forces are actively working to rescue a Chinese fishing vessel abducted by pirates off the coast of Somalia, officials reported.
The ship, registered under Puntland authorities, was engaged in fishing activities when it was seized by armed pirates carrying AK-47s and machine guns, according to reports from the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta.
Local officials confirmed that negotiations are ongoing but emphasized their refusal to pay ransom to the pirates holding the vessel and its crew captive. Authorities warned that force could be used if talks fail to secure the ship’s release. The ship’s owners have reportedly been informed to engage in direct negotiations.
The incident, which involved up to 18 crew members, comes amid a noticeable resurgence in piracy in the region. The EU Naval Force stated that this year has seen 19 piracy attacks – the highest since 2012 – reflecting a shift in security dynamics in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
Puntland authorities have vowed to act decisively, given the region’s long-standing efforts to combat piracy. The incident highlights ongoing challenges for international and regional forces tasked with safeguarding key global shipping routes, particularly as attention remains diverted due to recent maritime security disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.
China, which has conducted anti-piracy operations in Somali waters since 2008, has yet to officially comment on the situation. The Chinese Navy, with its Djibouti base strategically located on the Horn of Africa, continues to play a critical role in safeguarding its overseas interests in Africa and the Middle East.
The EU’s Operation Atalanta confirmed it is in “permanent contact” with Somali and Chinese authorities as efforts to resolve the situation intensify.
