/Reuters Agency
Armed assailants attacked a commercial vessel off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia, firing at the ship after attempting to board it. This is the first alleged incident of Somali piracy of this kind since 2024, according to maritime sources.
If confirmed, this would be the first Somali piracy aggression against a merchant ship since May 2024, which would increase the risks for the transport of energy and critical goods through the region, according to industry informants.
The vessel was sailing about 615 kilometers off the Somali coast when four armed attackers approached in a skiff on the starboard side and opened fire, according to a statement from the British maritime risk management group Vanguard.
“The crew activated the alarm, increased speed, and performed evasive maneuvers. The armed security team on board responded effectively, deterring the attack and preventing damage or injury,” the entity stated.
Vanguard and a maritime security source indicated that the attacked vessel was the Stolt Sagaland, a chemical tanker flying the flag of the Cayman Islands.
The vessel’s operator, Stolt-Nielsen, confirmed that there was an attempted attack on the Stolt Sagaland in the early hours of November 3, which was unsuccessful.
“All our crew is safe, having responded to the incident with speed and professionalism,” the company reported.
The European Union naval mission reported that it is investigating the incident. The naval force stated that on October 28 it received an alert about the possible presence of a pirate action group off the Somali coast.
“Vessels that must transit through the area are recommended to take extreme precautions and maintain full vigilance,” stated the EU force.
Navigations through the Red Sea, which flows into the Gulf of Aden, have decreased since the Iran-linked Houthi militia from Yemen launched attacks against commercial vessels in November 2023 in solidarity with the Palestinians due to the Israel war in Gaza.
Although the Houthis have agreed to a truce in attacks on vessels linked to the United States, many shipping companies remain cautious about resuming their voyages through those waters.
