Operation ATALANTA confirms the liberation of the Iranian-flagged dhow ALWASEEMI, hijacked 400 nautical miles East of Mogadishu on 24 March.
As stated, pirates abandoned the dhow after sustained pressure from Operation ATALANTA assets, acting in close coordination with Somali maritime police forces.
On 5 April, the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel ALWASEEMI was successfully liberated after being held by a pirate group off the northwestern coast of Somalia. The pirates ultimately disembarked under mounting pressure from ATALANTA forces.
Prioritizing the safety of the hostages, ATALANTA implemented a coordinated “concertina effect,” combining surface and air operations with continuous cooperation from Somali maritime police ashore. This approach gradually restricted the pirates’ options and forced them to release the vessel.
Following the liberation, ATALANTA personnel boarded the dhow to carry out security checks and assess the condition of the crew, providing food, water, and medical assistance as needed. They also collected evidence and intelligence to support the legal prosecution of those responsible.
ATALANTA continues to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland Federal Government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Chronology of the incident:
On 24 March, Operation ATALANTA was informed that an Iranian-flagged dhow was hijacked by a Pirate Action Group 400 nautical miles East of Mogadishu. The modus operandi reflected a highly likely use of the hijacked fishing vessel as mothership, proceeding to high seas and attempting to pirate larger vessels.
Vessels operating in the vicinity were contacted by Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) to avoid transiting within a 200 nautical miles radius of the reported position of the hijacked dhow ALWASEEMI. In addition, MSCIO recommended to maintain enhanced vigilance, being prepared to implement Best Management Practices Maritime Security measures and report any suspicious activity immediately.
On 25 March, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA asset closed distance, ready to take the appropriate actions to respond effectively to the piracy event.
On 27 March, 48 hours later, ATALANTA asset located the dhow 480 nautical miles Southeast of Mogadishu and verified the identity. During the following days, the warship closed distance to the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel and maintained a cover posture. Meanwhile her embarked air means were gathering relevant information to assess the situation on board.
Since 30 March, the ATALANTA assets confirmed the hijack of the dhow, which remains totally isolated and any possibility of pirating a larger vessel has been disrupted. In addition, the second EUNAVFOR ATALANTA asset successfully arrived on the scene.
Collaboration with regional and international forces in the area including Somali Police Force – Coast Guard Department, Somali Navy, Puntland Maritime Police Forces, Combined Maritime Forces, Spanish Joint Operations Command, Seychelles Armed Forces and INTERPOL has been key for continuing monitoring the incident.