Pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia are demanding $10 million in ransom for a Chinese-owned fishing vessel.
The hijacking, which took place in late November, involved 18 crew members now held captive in Xaafuun, Puntland.
Photos circulated on social media show the captives on the ship’s deck, surrounded by armed men from the region.
The vessel, previously licensed for fishing by Puntland authorities in 2020, had an expired license at the time of the hijacking.
Somali officials revealed the ransom demand but declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of negotiations.
The hijackers reportedly joined forces with the vessel’s security guards, further complicating the situation.
The European Union’s anti-piracy unit, Eunavfor Atalanta, has classified the attack as “robbery at sea.”
While Somali piracy has waned since its peak in 2011, the incident highlights ongoing maritime security challenges.
International naval patrols have significantly reduced piracy incidents, but regional instability keeps the threat alive.
Negotiations for the vessel’s release are underway, but the fate of the crew remains uncertain.
