Rescue of a Sri Lankan Trawler from Somali Pirates

19th January 2024

Report: Sri Lankan Trawler where rescued from Somali Pirates

In a chilling echo of a bygone era, a Sri Lankan fishing trawler hijacked by suspected Somali pirates has been rescued, raising alarming concerns about a potential resurgence of piracy in the volatile waters off the Horn of Africa. The Sunday incident, involving six crew members aboard the vessel, marks the latest in a series of attacks that have fueled anxieties about a return to the rampant piracy that plagued the region from 2008 to 2018.

For years, international efforts and heightened security measures had significantly curbed pirate activity. However, the recent spate of attacks, including the hijacking of a Maltese-flagged merchant ship – the first such incident since 2017 – and a firefight between pirates and British security personnel aboard a bulk carrier, has cast a shadow over these achievements.

The Sri Lankan trawler’s ordeal began on Sunday, drawing immediate attention from authorities. A nearby boat accompanying the trawler alerted authorities, prompting the Seychelles Coast Guard to launch a swift response. According to Gayan Wickramasuriya, a spokesperson for the Sri Lankan Navy, “After a special operation, the trawler and all its crew were rescued, and three suspected Somali pirates were also detained.” The rescue unfolded approximately 230 nautical miles from Seychelles’ Mahe Island, highlighting the pirates’ expanding range of operation.

While the successful rescue offers a sigh of relief, it underscores the underlying causes fueling the resurgence of piracy. Experts point to the ongoing instability in Somalia and the chaos in the region due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group as exacerbating factors. These challenges are compounded by economic desperation in Somalia, with many turning to piracy as a desperate means of survival.

The attack on the Sri Lankan trawler comes on the heels of the hijacking of the MV Ruen, the first merchant ship targeted by Somali pirates in seven years. While the vessel was later released unharmed, the incident served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of commercial shipping in the region.

As the rescue of the Sri Lankan trawler fades from headlines, the echoes of this incident must serve as a call to action. The international community, regional authorities, and Somali stakeholders must work together to prevent a full-blown resurgence of piracy and ensure the safety and security of everyone navigating these troubled waters. Only then can the promise of a piracy-free future truly become a reality.