Somali piracy has re-emerged with dangerous rapidity, showing that maritime security in the region continues to be at risk. Somali pirate attacks increased by almost 300% in the last year. This increase is a direct result of the deteriorating security environment along the Red Sea corridor, primarily due to Houthi rebel actions in Yemen.
This recent spike in piracy has witnessed assailants armed with some of the most high-tech armaments, consisting of device guns and rocket propelled explosives (RPGs). The most recent episode is the seizure of the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite. That ship was loaded with gasoline, coming from Sikka, India, on its way to Durban, South Africa. Pirates have seized this vessel, becoming the first commercial ship seized off the coast of Somalia in more than a year. This incident raises alarm bells across the shipping community.
According to the International Maritime Bureau, there were seven incidents of piracy off the coast of Somalia in 2024, so far. This increase in piracy is of special concern considering the historical context. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Piracy off the coast of Somalia reached its height in 2011. Industrywide, that year saw 237 successful attacks which cost the global economy a total of $7 billion. In fact that year saw ransom payments of more than $160 million.
With a recent wave of attacks, shippers are understandably on high alert. This increased alarm comes on the heels of a wave of attacks that resulted in the confiscation of the Hellas Aphrodite. In addition, France’s Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center has been very active. As a reaction against these threats, they raised alarms about the severe new capabilities of Somali pirates.
“Pirates are agile, determined, move between areas and have real reach.” – France’s Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center
Just the other day, Somali pirates seized their first Iranian fishing boat, the Issamohamadi. Even worse, they’ve made it their command center for continuing to plan and execute more attacks. These recent changes highlight the continued evolution and resourcefulness of Somali piracy.
When the Hellas Aphrodite came under attack, the 24-person crew quickly locked themselves inside the vessel’s citadel. They kept them safe at every step of the given experience. They remain unharmed and accounted for.
“All 24 crew are safe and accounted for, and we remain in close contact with them,” – Latsco
The return of piracy to this area is a significant danger to maritime security personnel. It more importantly endangers commercial shipping companies plying waters close to Somalia. Stronger vigilance and powerful, coordinated international actions will be necessary to stop this rising threat as effectively as possible.
