Somali Pirates Board Bulk Carrier, latest in Resurgent Wave of Attacks
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Armed pirates boarded a bulk carrier, the MV Merlin, off the coast of Somalia on Thursday, marking the latest incident in a concerning resurgence of maritime piracy in the region. The EU Naval Force Somalia (EUNAVFOR) confirmed the attack and stated it is indeed “ready to take the appropriate actions to respond effectively.”
The incident underscores a growing threat to international shipping lanes following a period of relative calm. While Somali piracy had diminished due to international naval patrols and a strengthening Somali government, attacks have increased over the last year, fueled by instability linked to the conflict in Yemen and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In 2024 alone, seven incidents have been reported off the Somali coast, including the seizure of multiple fishing boats. The renewed activity recalls the peak of Somali piracy in 2011, when 237 attacks were recorded, costing the global economy an estimated $7 billion, including $160 million in ransoms.
The Thursday attack followed a separate incident earlier this week involving the Cayman islands-flagged Stolt Sagaland, where armed security personnel exchanged fire with the attackers. EUNAVFOR had recently issued an alert warning shippers that a pirate group was operating in the area and assaults were “almost certain” to occur.
The International Maritime Bureau reports a continuing pattern of incidents,raising concerns for the safety of crews and the potential disruption of vital trade routes. EUNAVFOR and other international naval forces are actively monitoring the situation and responding to reported attacks.
