Somali Pirates Up Demand to $10 Million for Release of Chinese Fishing Boat

Pirates Demand Ransom for Seized Chinese Fishing Vessel

A Chinese fishing vessel and its 18 crew members are in danger after being seized by Somali pirates. The pirates are demanding $10 million in ransom, highlighting ongoing issues with piracy in the region. Negotiations are currently underway between a representative of the vessel’s owner and Somali tribal elders.

The Hijacking Incident

The hijacking occurred in late November off the coast of Somalia, near the Puntland region. Local police say the pirates have been moving the vessel between different locations to avoid being found by the coast guard. Reports suggest that the attack may have been an inside job, with two local security guards on the ship allegedly helping the pirates.

The fishing vessel is thought to be registered in Taiwan and was working under a fishing license issued by the local government. However, there are questions about whether the license had expired at the time of the incident.

The EU Naval Force Atalanta, which monitors piracy in the region, was informed about the case on December 5. At first, the incident was called a hijacking, but later it was reclassified as an armed robbery because the vessel remained in Somali waters. Armed individuals carrying AK-47s were spotted aboard the ship. Thankfully, no crew members have been reported harmed so far.

Ransom Negotiations Continue

The pirates initially demanded $5 million, but their demands later increased to $10 million. The vessel owner’s representatives offered $300,000, then raised it to $1 million, but the pirates refused.

The negotiation process is delicate, as criminal groups in Somalia are known to raise their demands during talks. Tribal elders are mediating the discussions in an effort to bring a peaceful resolution.

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Piracy: A Persistent Problem

Piracy off the coast of Somalia remains a serious issue. The EU Naval Force Atalanta reported 20 attacks in 2024, though many smaller incidents go unreported. Their program to educate crews on safety measures is an important step toward reducing piracy.

Despite international efforts, piracy continues to affect global shipping and fishing. This incident involving the Chinese fishing vessel shows the ongoing danger to vessels operating in these waters.

Focus on Crew Safety

As negotiations continue, the safety of the 18 crew members remains the top concern. International organizations like Atalanta and local Somali authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The world is watching to see how this case will unfold and whether peaceful resolutions can address the persistent problem of piracy in the region.