A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier had reportedly been boarded by armed individuals southeast of Eyl, Somalia, Reuters highlights.
According to UKMTO’s announcement, they were informed that a merchant vessel had been boarded by five to six unauthorized armed individuals. The vessel was en route to Khalifa bin Salman in Bahrain.
In a situation reminiscent of the December incident, where pirates boarded the Navibulgar vessel Ruen (42,300 dwt) near the island of Socotra, Yemen, a similar event has unfolded. The vessel, registered in Malta and headed for Khalifa bin Salman in Bahrain, reported unauthorized armed individuals on board. The crew managed to secure themselves initially, but subsequent reports suggested the pirates breached the citadel. The vessel has been taken to the coast of Somalia and remains under pirate control.