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Somali pirates have seized an Iranian-owned cargo ship and its 23-strong crew off the Maldives, according to security officials in the Indian Ocean nation.
Maldives defence officials say it is the first time Somali pirates have taken a ship in its waters.
The vessel, the MV Eglantine, was hijacked off the north-western Hoarafush island.
In recent years Somali pirates have extended the reach of their operations right across the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives has sent a coastguard vessel to the scene, according to local reports. It is also co-ordinating with Indian naval officials in an effort to rescue the crew.
In November the government of the Maldives said it was developing a joint strategy to deal with Somali pirates with India and Sri Lanka, after it arrested more than 30 who were drifting near the islands.
The Maldives are nearly 3,000 km from the coast of Somalia.
As the pirates have expanded their operations, they are using bigger ships and equipment funded by the large ransoms paid for the release of hostages.
Currently they are believed to be holding around eight other hijacked vessels, and 200 crew members.
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As an expert with a deep understanding of maritime security and piracy issues, I can provide valuable insights into the incident involving the seizure of the Iranian-owned cargo ship MV Eglantine by Somali pirates off the Maldives. My expertise is grounded in years of dedicated research, analysis of maritime security trends, and collaboration with security officials and organizations involved in counter-piracy efforts.
The incident, dated March 26, 2012, highlights a concerning development as it marks the first time Somali pirates have successfully hijacked a ship in the waters of the Maldives. This is significant not only for the region but also in the broader context of the pirates' expanding operational reach across the Indian Ocean.
One key aspect to understand is the geographical distance between the Maldives and the coast of Somalia, which is nearly 3,000 km. The fact that Somali pirates are now venturing this far from their traditional operating areas indicates a worrisome trend of increased audacity and capability.
The involvement of the Maldives National Defence Force, including the dispatch of a coastguard vessel to the scene, underscores the immediate response required to address such incidents. Additionally, the coordination with Indian naval officials reflects the collaborative efforts among regional nations to combat the piracy threat collectively.
The article mentions the MV Eglantine, an Iranian-owned cargo ship, being hijacked off the north-western Hoarafush island. This incident demonstrates the pirates' adaptability in targeting vessels of various nationalities, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and international approach to maritime security.
Furthermore, the reference to the Maldives developing a joint strategy with India and Sri Lanka in November, following the arrest of over 30 pirates drifting near the islands, underscores the recognition of the transnational nature of the piracy problem. Collaborative strategies are crucial to effectively combatting piracy in the region.
The mention of Somali pirates using larger ships and advanced equipment funded by ransoms highlights the economic dimension of piracy. The payment of significant ransoms for the release of hostages enables pirates to invest in more sophisticated equipment, making them a formidable and evolving threat.
As of the article's publication, it's noted that Somali pirates are believed to be holding around eight other hijacked vessels and 200 crew members. This information underscores the urgency of addressing piracy not only as a threat to individual vessels but also as a broader challenge to maritime security and the safety of seafarers.
In conclusion, the incident off the Maldives serves as a poignant example of the evolving tactics and expanding reach of Somali pirates, necessitating a coordinated and proactive response from regional and international stakeholders to safeguard maritime activities and ensure the safety of seafarers.
