# Suspected pirate hijacking off Somalia raises mothership concerns

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/somalia-piracy-azini-fishing-vessel-mothership-alert/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-02T17:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-02T08:45:45+00:00
- **Section:** General
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** MSCIO warns that the reportedly hijacked fishing vessel AZINI is approaching a maritime traffic lane off Somalia and could be used for further piracy attacks.

An Iranian fishing vessel reportedly hijacked by armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia may be approaching a maritime traffic lane, raising concerns that it could be used to support further piracy attacks.

According to Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) Alert 161/26, the fishing vessel *AZINI* was reportedly seized at approximately 09:00 UTC on 29 October 2026. The incident remains under investigation by the European Union’s naval Operation ATALANTA, while the safety of the vessel’s crew has not been established.

The vessel was initially reported at position 09°42’N 053°55’E at 04:00 UTC on 30 October. In a subsequent update, MSCIO identified its latest reported position as 09°47’N 055°45’E, indicating that the fishing vessel was approaching a maritime traffic lane.

MSCIO warned that *AZINI* could potentially be used as a mothership to conduct additional piracy attacks. Such a development would create a further security concern for vessels operating in waters off Somalia, although the possible use of the fishing vessel for this purpose has not been confirmed.

Operation ATALANTA continues to investigate the reported hijacking. No further information has been provided regarding the identity of the suspected pirates, the condition of the crew or whether the vessel remains under their control.

MSCIO has advised ships operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance, follow Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP-MS) and immediately report suspicious activity or relevant information to the maritime security centre.

The incident remains an active security concern, particularly because of the vessel’s reported movement towards an established shipping route and the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of its seizure.

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Cite as: "Suspected pirate hijacking off Somalia raises mothership concerns", pelavox., 2 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/somalia-piracy-azini-fishing-vessel-mothership-alert/