The MSCIO have reported that the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel AZINI has been hijacked by armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia (exact position not specified).
The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 09:00 UTC on 29 October 2026. The vessel’s last reported position was 09° 42′ N 053° 55′ E at 04:00 UTC on 30 October 2026.
The safety and status of the crew are currently unknown. The report states that the vessel could be used as a mothership to conduct further piracy attacks. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the incident.
UFurther information has been received stating that the fishing vessel was boarded by twelve pirates, between Bandarbayla and Hafun District, Puntland, Somalia.
The vessel reportedly has twenty-one crew of Iranian nationality and two Somali armed guards onboard.
It is also reported that the captain had sent a distress voice message informing the captain of another vessel that armed men had boarded the vessel.
No further communication has been received from the vessel or crew.
