Operation ATALANTA Foils Pirate Plot, Secures Hijacked Vessel at Sea

Naval forces under Operation ATALANTA have successfully freed the fishing vessel ALWASEEMI, which had previously been hijacked by a pirate group, according to an official statement.

The Iranian-flagged dhow was ultimately abandoned by the pirates following sustained pressure from ATALANTA forces, particularly in the northwestern waters off the Somali coast. The operation prioritized the safety of the crew, employing a coordinated strategy that involved both naval ships and aerial assets from the ATALANTA mission.

Close and continuous coordination with Somali maritime police forces onshore also played a critical role in forcing the pirates to disembark and release the crew members.

Following confirmation of the vessel’s liberation, ATALANTA personnel boarded the dhow to conduct security inspections and assess the condition of the crew. Those on board were provided with essential assistance, including food, water, and medical care.

Additionally, forces collected evidence and key intelligence related to the incident, which will be submitted to legal authorities to support the prosecution of the pirate group responsible. Operation ATALANTA continues to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland regional administration to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.

Incident Timeline:

On March 24, Operation ATALANTA received reports that an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel had been hijacked approximately 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. The pirates’ modus operandi suggested they intended to use the vessel as a platform to launch further hijacking operations in international waters, targeting larger commercial ships.