Somali Piracy Resurges: Hijacked Iranian Dhow Suspected as Mothership
Maritime security forces are investigating a probable pirate action group operating in the Indian Ocean after an Iranian dhow was reported hijacked on March 25, 2026. The vessel, identified as the Al Waseemi 786, is believed to be used as a mothership, extending the range of pirate operations.
Increased Range and Tactics
The incident occurred approximately 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, indicating a significant increase in the operational range of pirate groups. The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) is strongly advising vessels to avoid transiting within a 200 nautical mile radius of the reported position. MSCIO, an initiative of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA, plays a crucial role in safeguarding global trade routes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA also supports broader EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations.
Intelligence suggests pirate groups are employing tactics that include hijacking dhows to use as motherships, allowing them to blend in with regular maritime traffic. These groups are reportedly operating up to 600 nautical miles off the east Somali coast, launching skiffs to target vessels. While Yemeni fishing dhows are typically targeted, Chinese fishing boats and Iranian dhows have also been targeted in 2025. MSCIO provides real-time maritime security alerts and facilitates naval support within the Indian Ocean through vessel registration.
Recent Incidents and Historical Trends
Even though overall activity remains low, this hijacking follows a similar pattern to that observed in 2025, with reports in February and March followed by a lull before increased activity in November and December. A previous incident occurred on February 26, where a group approached an Iranian vessel offshore from Garmaal. The targeted vessel took defensive actions, and the skiffs withdrew without boarding.
Between November 2023 and May 2024, a total of 57 incident reports were recorded, demonstrating the continued capability of pirate groups to assault ships in the region. The last reported boarding of a merchant ship occurred in November 2025, when the tanker Hellas Aphrodite was boarded and subsequently liberated by European forces. Recent threat bulletins issued by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA highlight the increased maritime risks in the Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following incidents off Somalia. The resurgence of Somali piracy represents a new era of risk in the Indian Ocean.
Mercury Chat and Maritime Security Coordination
The MSCIO’s Mercury system improves awareness and coordination among primary stakeholders to counter maritime threats. Designed as a real-time communication tool, it allows immediate coordination of all forces operating in the area and is exclusively for Military and Maritime Law Enforcement Organizations. Registering with MSCIO allows vessels to receive real-time maritime security alerts and ensures faster, more efficient naval support.
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