Armed Pirate Attack on Stolt Tanker off Somalia: Gunfire Exchange Reported
Armed Pirate Attack on Stolt Tanker off Somalia: Gunfire Exchange Reported
Stolt Tankers' Cayman Islands-flagged chemical tanker Stolt Sagaland came under attack by armed pirates off the Somali coast. The incident was confirmed by maritime security firm Vanguard Tech.
\nAttack occurred in early morning hours
\nThe incident took place on the morning of November 3 at approximately 04:45 local time, approximately 332 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu, within Somalia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
\nAccording to reports, the tanker was pursued by a small speedboat (skiff) launched from a "mothership." Four armed attackers in the boat approached the vessel from the port side and opened fire.
\nShip crew and security team responded swiftly
\nThe Stolt Sagaland crew immediately sounded the alarm, increased speed and initiated evasive maneuvers.
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\nThe armed security team onboard returned fire and repelled the attack.
After a gunfire exchange lasting several minutes, the pirates were forced to withdraw without approaching the vessel.
\nNo casualties or damage were reported. The tanker continued on its course following the attack.
\nIncident verification and security assessment
\nThe attack was confirmed by both the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre and private security firm Ambrey.
\nAccording to Ambrey's report, the pirate boat was able to approach the vessel by only 0.05 nautical miles (approximately 90 metres). After the security team fired warning shots, the pirates returned to their mothership and fled the area.
\nEU NAVFOR raises alert level
\nFollowing the incident, the European Union Naval Force's (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta elevated the threat level off the Somali coast.
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\nThe organization assessed that an active Pirate Action Group (PAG) was operating in the area and that the group may be linked to an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked near Garacad last week.
Risk resurging in Somali waters
\nExperts note that the incident bears signs of a potential resurgence of Somali piracy.
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\nAmbrey reported that "suspicious dhow movements" had been recorded in the area prior to the attack and indicated a "realistic likelihood" of similar attempts recurring.
Recent months have seen a marked increase in pirate activity off the Somali coast, particularly in the western portions of the Indian Ocean.
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\nAnalysts point to factors such as economic instability in the region, reduced naval patrols, and the reorganization of pirate networks as contributing to this uptick.
Vessel route and specifications
\nThe Stolt Sagaland, a super-segregator-type chemical tanker built in 2008 with a 44,000 dwt capacity, had departed from Saudi Arabia's Al Jubail port at the time of the attack and was proceeding to its next port of call.
\nThe tanker is equipped with specialized compartments for transporting chemicals and liquid cargo and is fitted with enhanced security measures.
\nMeasures against Somali piracy
\nSomali piracy, which peaked between 2010 and 2013, was largely suppressed thanks to international patrol forces (EU NAVFOR, NATO, U.S. Navy).
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\nHowever, in recent years, the decline in international patrol operations and reduced fishing revenues in the region have created conditions for pirate groups to resume activities.
EU NAVFOR officials have advised ship operators to maintain armed security teams in high-risk areas, increase radar surveillance during night transits, and strictly adhere to BMP5 (Best Management Practices) guidelines.
\nConclusion: pirate threat back on agenda
\nThe attack on Stolt Sagaland is regarded as one of the first concrete indicators of renewed pirate activity in Somali waters, which have been relatively quiet for an extended period.
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\nAuthorities are warning commercial vessels to remain on high alert and immediately report any suspicious vessel movements.
Key Points:
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Stolt Sagaland came under armed pirate attack off Somalia.
\n The armed security team returned fire and prevented the attack from succeeding.
\n No casualties or damage reported.
\n EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta elevated the threat level in the region.
\n The pirates approached to approximately 90 metres before withdrawing.
\n The incident may be linked to an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked near Garacad last week.
\n Experts warn: "Somali piracy is experiencing a resurgence, and regional risk is escalating."
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\nNews Link: https://splash247.com/gunfire-exchange-as-pirates-target-stolt-tanker-in-somali-waters/
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\nAuthor: SedatOnat.com
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