Somali Pirates Return: Multiple Boardings Confirmed in Western Indian Ocean

Maritime Security Report | 4–10 November 2025

Piracy in the Western Indian Ocean has resurfaced in force. This week, three high-risk incidents linked to active Somali Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) were recorded — including a confirmed boarding, the use of RPGs, and a mothership-supported stalking approach more than 500 nautical miles offshore.

At the same time, another boarding event was confirmed off West Africa, reinforcing that criminal groups remain active on both sides of the continent.

Executive Summary

Between 4–10 November, four major piracy incidents occurred across the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Guinea, marking the most significant resurgence of Somali pirate activity in over a year. Confirmed attacks involved mother-daughter vessel operations, armed skiff approaches,

RPG fire, and at least two successful boardings where crews were forced into citadels until naval support arrived. Coalition forces have since responded, securing vessels and ensuring crew safety, but the activity signals a clear and concerning shift in intent and capability.

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Key Incidents

⚓ Somalia – Mothership-Supported Approach (7 Nov)

• LNG tanker (Marshall Islands-flagged) stalked by skiff

• Approached to within 2NM south-east of Eyl

• Skiff deployed from suspected mothership ISSA MOHHAMDI

• No weapons fired, but clear intent to probe and assess

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🚨 Somalia – Armed Attack & Boarding (6 Nov)

• Maltese-flagged tanker attacked 553NM SE of Hobyo

• Armed skiff opened fire, including RPGs

• Crew secured in citadel as vessel was boarded

• Spanish naval forces later cleared and secured the tanker

• No security team onboard at time of attack

⚓ West Africa – Cargo Vessel Boarded (7 Nov)

• Netherlands-flagged vessel boarded 75NM NW of Bata, Equatorial Guinea

• Crew entered citadel during attack

• Coalition forces intervened and secured the vessel

• Ship now transiting under escort

• All crew confirmed safe

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What This Means

This week marks a strategic inflection point:

• Somali pirate groups are active, organised, and operating at extreme range

• Mothership tactics have returned

• Weapons are confirmed in use

• Citadel protocols continue to prove essential in protecting crews

• Naval presence remains the only reliable incident response once boarded

The Western Indian Ocean must again be considered a high-risk piracy area.

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Operational Guidance

Ship operators and CSOs should:

✅ Enforce BMP5 measures immediately for Indian Ocean transits

✅ Maintain 24/7 visual + radar watch, particularly for small craft

✅ Harden vessels early, especially during low-speed periods

✅ Verify citadel readiness, comms, and SSAS functionality

✅ Report suspicious approaches to MSCHOA & UKMTO without delay

✅ Avoid predictable routing near known mothership activity

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