A group of Somali pirates is said to have freed a fishing boat belonging to Yemen and captured it off the coast of the Horn of Africa near Puntland, and held it for five days, according to the European Union’s anti-piracy mission.
A statement issued by the European Navy, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, said that the first attack by pirates on February 17 targeted a boat similar to the ship, which was used in the waters of the Middle East, but was hijacked off the coast of the city of Eyl in Somalia.
The boat named “Seton-2” remained in the hands of the pirates until Saturday, and the pirates were equipped with ladders and weapons, indicating that they might have wanted to hijack other ships, using this boat for fishing.
“The suspected pirates left the fishing boat after taking what they were carrying from the crew,” said the Navy, adding that the crew of the “Seaton-2” is now safe and free.
Somali pirates have re-emerged off the shores of Puntland region and hijacked ships traveling in Somali waters several times.
