Friday May 24, 2024
Nairobi (HOL) — The European Union’s anti-piracy naval force successfully liberated the Liberia-flagged merchant vessel Basilisk from pirates off the coast of Somalia, ensuring the safety of its 17 crew members.
The Basilisk, travelling from Cape Verde to the United Arab Emirates, was attacked on May 23 by pirates in two small boats while sailing about 380 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu. The crew retreated to the ship’s citadel, a secure area designed for emergencies, while the vessel drifted. The ship's master, who did not make it to the citadel, was shot in the arm but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
EU Naval Force (EU NavFor) Operation Atalanta responded swiftly, sending a warship that arrived on the scene by nightfall. Commandos boarded the Basilisk using fast-rope techniques from a helicopter, secured the ship, and provided medical attention to the injured crew member, who is now in stable condition.
“The discipline of the crew in retreating to the citadel prevented the pirates from taking control of the vessel,” a spokesperson for maritime security firm Ambrey said. “The pirates fled before the arrival of military forces.”
Operation Atalanta has highlighted the importance of vessels registering with the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa’s Voluntary Registration Scheme, which enhances monitoring and response capabilities in the region.
The attack on the Basilisk is part of a concerning resurgence in Somali piracy. Recent incidents include the hijacking of the Marshall Islands-flagged product tanker Chrystal Arctic earlier this month, during which pirates engaged in a firefight with the ship’s security team before being apprehended by EU forces.
Since December, two merchant vessels, the MV Ruen and the MV Abdulla, have been hijacked. The former was rescued by the Indian Navy, while the latter was released after a ransom was reportedly paid. Several smaller fishing vessels have also been targeted.
The EU NavFor has reported that multiple pirate action groups are currently active off the Somali coast, exploiting the turbulent conditions around the Horn of Africa. The resurgence of piracy poses a significant threat to maritime security in the region.