News / Has Somali piracy crisis returned? 'Yes and no', says maritime veteran

© Michele Rinaldi

The seemingly relentless widening of the Middle East conflict beyond the Red Sea appears to have been accompanied by a series of opportunistic attacks by Somali pirates, prompting speculation that the region may see a re-run of 2006’s piracy crisis.

The 10 April IMB Piracy Report, analysing the first three months of the year, notes five attempted pirate attacks, two of which resulted in successful hijackings.

It adds: “The recent successful incidents demonstrate the continued capabilities of these criminals… generally, Somali pirates ...