The forces of EUNAVFOR Atalanta responded to a privacy incident o nhte 'Basilisk', currently underway off the coast of Somalia on May 23, 2024. Two small craftshad come alongside the ship. The vessel’s last AIS signal was transmitted two days ago north of Madagascar. The indication was that the vessel was traveling from Porto Grande in Cape Verde where it departed on May 3 with an ETA at Khalifa on May 29. Atalanta is placing the ship as sailing approximately 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heading north. The UK Maritime Trade Organizations places the vessel approximately 420 nautical miles southeast of Merca, Somalia. There were unconfirmed reports that the crew was able to secure themselves in the vessel’s citadel. Atalanta reports one of its warships is in the vicinity and is first to respond.
News
LARGO EDEN
On May 13, 2024, at 03.45 a.m. the 'Largo Eden' was boarded by six men at Chattogram Anchorage in pos. 22° 17' N 120° 91.43' E. Shore watchmen were found tied and unable to move. NBo injuries were reported. The pirates stole unsecured items from the tanker.
FIDAN
On May 17, 2024, at 04.10 UTC the 'Fidan', en route from Ust-Luga to Santos, was boarded by ten pirates armed with AK-47 guns in 09:11.2 N 027:03.9 W, around 363 nautical miles southsouthwest of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde. They took control of the bridge. All crew members were mustered on the bridge where the pirates tied up their hands and legs. The pirates ordered the 2nd and 4th engineer to stop the engines, and the ship went adrift with the intention of stealing the cargo and bunkers. While waiting for the offtake vessel, the pirates stole crew and ship properties. They then moved all crew members into the steering gear room and informed them that there were explosive devices fixed on all doors, and the crew could only exit after two hours. Once the crew emerged from the steering gear room, no pirates or explosives were found. The pirates had damaged communication, internet, navigation equipment and the air control pipes for the main engine and cylinder oil flow valves before escaping. The crew managed to sail the vessel to the next port. No cargo or bunkers was stolen.
ESL DACHAN BAY
On May 10, 2024, at 3.32 a.m. the 'ESL Dachan Bay' was boarded by two men at the Manila International Container Terminal in pos. 14° 35.69' N 120° 50.67' E. The perpetrators stole ship's stores. No injuries were reported.
MUROU
On May 15 at 4.15 a.m. the 'Murou' was boarded by three men at Dumai Anchorage in pos. 1° 42' N 101° 28' E. The perpetrators left the ship without anything being reported stolen. There were no injuries.