Somali pirates have raised their ransom demand to $10 million for a Chinese-owned fishing vessel and its 18 crewmembers. The vessel, reportedly registered in Taiwan, was seized in late November and has been moved frequently to evade detection.
Local officials in #Puntland, Somalia, stated the vessel was likely seized in late November and has since been moved frequently to evade detection by the coast guard. Authorities suspect insider involvement, as unconfirmed reports suggest two local security guards aboard the vessel may have collaborated with the pirates during the hijacking.
The European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta reported that armed individuals, equipped with AK-47s, were aboard the vessel, but no harm had been inflicted on the crew. Atalanta, which monitors regional waters for piracy, classified the incident as an alleged armed robbery, as the vessel remains within Somali territorial waters.
Media reports indicate the initial ransom demand was $5 million, later increased to $10 million after a $300,000 offer was rejected and raised to $1 million.