EU naval forces retake hijacked Iranian vessel off Somalia

Will XavierTuesday April 7, 2026

An Iranian-flagged dhow that had been seized off Somalia’s coast has been freed after sustained pressure from EU naval forces, with the vessel now back under control and its crew accounted for, Operation Atalanta said.

The Alwaseemi was hijacked on March 24, roughly 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, according to the mission. A warship and other Atalanta assets kept the fishing boat under close watch in the days that followed.

“The pirates left the fishing vessel as a result of the pressure and presence exerted by Atalanta assets, in close coordination with Somali maritime police forces,” Operation Atalanta said on Monday, April 6.

On Sunday, April 5, Atalanta elements moved in as the dhow was ultimately abandoned by the unnamed pirate group on Somalia’s northwestern coast. The operation said the vessel was left behind after continued pressure from its forces.

“Always prioritising the safety of hostages, a smart combination of ‘concertina effect’ conducted by Atalanta surface and air assets, plus a close and permanent coordination with Somali maritime police forces ashore, finally drove the pirates to disembark and liberate the dhow,” Operation Atalanta said.

Once the vessel was secured, Atalanta personnel boarded the boat to carry out checks and searches aimed at confirming the safety and condition of the crew.

The boarding team also supplied the crew with food, water, and medical care.

Atalanta said it gathered evidence and intelligence from the incident for use in the legal case against those responsible, adding that it has been working with the Federal Governments of Somalia and the Puntland State Federal Government to ensure the pirates are brought to justice.

Officials also said the dhow may have been used by the pirates as a mothership in attempts to board larger vessels.