EU NAVFOR Atalanta Locates Hijacked Dhow 480 Nautical Miles Southeast of Mogadishu

An EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta vessel located a hijacked dhow approximately 480 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu and confirmed its identity. The response followed a piracy event reported on March 25. No further details on crew status or vessel resolution were immediately available. The incident is part of a significant resurgence of Somali piracy: Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) are operating 300–800 nautical miles offshore using hijacked dhows as motherships. Piracy incidents increased approximately 110% in 2025 per the MICA annual report. All vessels within 700 nautical miles of the Somali coast are advised to follow BMP5 protocols and register with MSCHOA.