(05-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a critical warning after a Liberian-flagged merchant ship was boarded by armed individuals in the Arabian Sea, not far from the Somali coast. The incident, which took place at around 1419 UTC on January 4, 2024, occurred approximately 460 nautical miles east of Eyl, Somalia. The UKMTO statement, released on Thursday, detailed that between five and six armed persons had unlawfully boarded the vessel as it was headed towards Bahrain.
In a swift response to the crisis, the crew of the ship took refuge in the vessel’s citadel, a fortified safe room specifically designed for such emergencies. The vessel’s Company Security Officer (CSO) promptly alerted the UKMTO, initiating an immediate response. Complicating matters further, the UKMTO has raised concerns over the ship’s compromised navigational lighting, potentially falling short of the required standards for anti-collision regulations. This development heightens the risk not only to the crew on board but also to other vessels transiting through the region.
This incident has amplified the ongoing concerns about piracy in strategic maritime regions like the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. The UKMTO, dedicated to ensuring maritime safety and awareness, emphasizes the necessity of such information for the marine industry to proactively mitigate potential threats.
In light of the increased piracy activities and attacks in these waters, shipping companies, including industry leader Maersk, have been on high alert. The recent seizure in December of the MV Ruen and its crew has only intensified these apprehensions. Consequently, some ships have chosen alternative routes, such as via the Cape of Good Hope, albeit at increased costs.
Halqabsi News
