MOGADISHU, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have released a Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow that was seized on March 16 in the pirate-infested waters off the coast of Somalia, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) confirmed Friday evening.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta reported that the vessel, Al-Hidaya, which was hijacked off Durdura in the vicinity of Eyl on Somalia's northern coast, was later abandoned in the vicinity of Dhinowda, south of the initial seizure location.
"On board, the eight Somali crew members were safe," the EU naval force said in a statement after conducting a friendly approach on Friday to assist the crew and gather information from the vessel.
The incident marks the third piracy-related case involving a Yemeni fishing vessel. Along with a separate case involving a Chinese fishing vessel, four piracy-related vessel seizures occurred in Somali territorial waters in 2025, according to EUNAVFOR.
The EU naval force underscored that its continued operations, along with regional and international maritime security partners, remain crucial in addressing incidents that threaten maritime safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
Somali pirates have launched attacks far from shore using "mother vessels" -- dhows or ocean-going fishing boats that they have commandeered.
The resurgence of piracy has also impacted the shipping sector, driving up insurance costs as shippers take out additional coverage for war risk, kidnap, and ransom, on top of standard cargo and hull insurance. ■
