The Iranian fishing vessel Azini was hijacked by pirates on October 29 near the northeastern coast of Somalia. This vessel was carrying 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali guards, and maritime security officials are concerned about the occurrence of this incident.
Details of the Incident and Reactions
The pirates attacked the Azini while it was moving between the port of Baida and Hafun. According to reports, 12 pirates boarded the vessel, and the captain managed to send an emergency message to another ship before communications were cut off. Following this incident, the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Center (MSCIO) monitored the vessel's route, and its last recorded position was 09°47' North and 055°45' East, heading towards a busy commercial route.
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Concerns and Consequences
Maritime security officials are deeply concerned that the Azini may be used as a mothership for pirates. This could lead to an increase in attacks against commercial vessels in remote coastal areas. It has not yet been confirmed whether the Azini has been used in subsequent attacks, and the status of its crew remains unclear. This hijacking occurs as piracy off the coast of Somalia has sharply increased again. According to statistics, six other commercial vessels were also hijacked between April and August.
In September, Puntland security forces freed the tanker Honour 25 after a prolonged hijacking incident, in which five crew members were reported to have lost their lives.
The Indian Ocean Maritime Security Center (MSCIO) has urged all vessels to exercise greater vigilance in the area, follow best maritime security practices, and promptly report any suspicious activities. These warnings reflect growing concerns about maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
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