A maritime security officer connected to the Puntland Maritime Police Force stated that the vessel named the Azini was intercepted and seized on 29 October 2026. The hijacking occurred in the northeastern region of the country, specifically situated between the coastal settlements of Bandar Bayla and Hafun. The seized fishing boat had a total of 23 people on board when it was captured. This group consisted of 21 Iranian crew members alongside two Somali security guards. Reports from the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean highlighted that 12 pirates carried out the seizure. Following the takeover, authorities warned that the vessel was moving towards a major commercial shipping lane. Officials expressed concern that the hijacked ship might be deployed as a floating base to facilitate additional pirate attacks against cargo vessels in the area.
Somali pirates hijack Iranian fishing vessel with 23 onboard
The seized ship is reportedly approaching a commercial route, heightening concerns of further pirate attacks.
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In short
- Pirates seized the Iranian fishing vessel Azini on 29 October 2026.
- The ship carried 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali security guards.
- Authorities warned the vessel could serve as a floating base for more attacks.
From public sources and the WeNepal research team
https://wenepal.com/article/somali-pirates-hijack-iranian-fishing-vessel-with-23-onboard-20261101
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