The European Union’s Atalanta navy, which is in charge of piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, has warned that last week’s decision by a Bangladeshi company to pay a ransom to release the ship and its crew could lead to more attacks on ships. business.
Ships traveling to the coast of Somalia have been urged to be more vigilant in light of the recent increase in the threat of piracy, adding that the rainy season could facilitate piracy in the region.
Operation Atalanta said the payment of ransom could create a new wave of hijackings that could lead to future attacks on merchant ships.
Last month, Indian commando forces boarded and recaptured a ship hijacked in December, the MV Ruen, flying the flag of Malta.
All 17 hostages were rescued and 35 accused pirates were taken to Mumbai for trial.
The return of Somali pirates comes at a time when Yemen’s Houthis are also firing on commercial ships that pass their coast, targeting around 80 ships in the past six months.
