The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) yesterday issued a report stating that a hijacked dhow, likely being used as a mothership off Puntland, has been released. The Casayr II was taken on Friday and was believed to be operating by Somali pirates off Socotra Island, scene of another piracy incident two weeks ago.
The dhow has been released by the pirates after taking one skiff, food and diesel. The whereabouts of the pirates is unknown.
Two weeks ago the Aris 13 fuel tanker made headlines across the world becoming the first Somali hijacking since 2012.
fuel tanker made headlines across the world becoming the first Somali hijacking since 2012.Illegal fishing in the region has been cited as one of the main reasons for the sudden return of piracy to the Horn of Africa.
“Up to a point, Lord Copper!”
The pirates released the Casayr II only because they had captured a larger fishing dhow which is less distinctive and as such suits their purposes better.