Local authorities in Somalia have confirmed that a Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members aboard was hijacked last week off the northeastern coast of Xaafuun district in Somalia’s Bari region

Summary

A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked off Somalia’s northeastern coast, reportedly by the ship’s security guards in collaboration with local armed men.

The hijackers initially demanded a $5 million ransom, which was allegedly rejected.

The vessel, licensed by Puntland authorities and registered under Taiwan’s flag, has been moved between multiple coastal locations.

Despite a decline in piracy since its peak in 2011 due to international naval patrols, the incident underscores ongoing maritime security challenges in Somali waters.