MOGADISHU (SD) – European Union naval forces under Operation Atalanta have regained control of an Iranian-owned fishing vessel, Alwaseemi, that was hijacked by pirates about 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu on March 24.

The operation reported that pirates abandoned the vessel after sustained pressure from EU naval and air units working in coordination with Somali maritime police and coast guard forces. The ship was secured on April 5, with the attackers fleeing toward the northwestern Somali coast.

According to Operation Atalanta, the safety of the crew was the top priority, with forces using a coordinated strategy involving both naval and aerial surveillance. The pirates eventually disembarked and released the hostages before withdrawing from the vessel.

Following the release, EU forces boarded the ship to assess the condition of the crew, provide food, water, and medical assistance, and secure the vessel. Authorities also collected evidence and intelligence to support efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland administration.

Officials added that the vessel may have been used as a “mothership” to facilitate attacks on larger commercial ships. The incident had been closely monitored since the hijacking, with warships deployed to track the vessel and ensure the safety of those on board.

The successful recovery of the vessel highlights improved coordination between international naval forces and Somali authorities in countering piracy. However, the use of fishing vessels as motherships suggests evolving tactics by pirate groups, indicating that maritime security threats in the region persist despite ongoing international efforts.