Somali pirates recently hijacked the Bangladeshi-flagged Abdullah bulk carrier, raising concerns about further attacks off the Horn of Africa. Despite no ransom demands yet, the 23 abducted crew members' safety remains a priority. The shipowner confirmed crew safety but worries persist.
With international navies considering rescue operations, pirates have fortified the Abdullah and nearby coastal positions, even installing anti-aircraft weaponry. Last weekend, the Indian Navy successfully rescued 17 crew members from another seized ship, the Malta-flagged Ruen, and arrested 35 pirates.
Some Somali pirates, taking advantage of Houthi strikes to the north, are resuming piracy after nearly a decade of dormancy. Maritime security firms report an increase in pirate activity, with more dhows setting out to sea for potential hijackings.
New data from BIMCO reveals that 13% of world seaborne trade faces threats from both Houthi attacks in Yemen and Somali pirates, underscoring the ongoing maritime security challenges.
