GAC Issues Piracy Alert for Indian Ocean

A maritime security alert has been issued for the Indian Ocean after media sources reported UAE-owned charcoal vessel Safina-Fahad was hijacked on a route from Kismayo, Somalia, to the UAE. The position, date and exact circumstances of the hijacking are unclear, according to GAC Protective Solutions.

GAC officials warn that the vessel is likely to be used as mothership over the coming weeks. Increased attacks should be expected throughout the high risk area as weather conditions improve over the coming weeks. Attacks as far as 500 nautical miles east of the Seychelles have been recorded over the past week.

The reports follow increased pirate activity off Oman's southern coast, where Panama-flagged ro-ro cargo vessel Leila was hijacked 50 nautical miles south-west of Ras Al Madrakah on February 15. A maritime security alert has been issued for the Arabian Sea.