Tuesday March 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Chinese fishing vessel seized by armed men off the coast of Puntland has been released along with all crew members following coordinated efforts by China, Somalia’s federal government and Puntland authorities, officials said Tuesday.
The vessel was freed March 2 in what the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu described as a peaceful resolution after close consultations between the Somali federal leadership and the Puntland presidency.
Details surrounding the seizure, including the identity of the armed group and the duration of the standoff, were not immediately disclosed. It was also unclear whether a ransom was paid. In previous incidents off Somalia’s coast, pirate groups have demanded millions of dollars for the release of vessels and crews.
Somalia’s federal government said the Chinese fishing vessels were operating legally in Somali waters with authorization from federal and relevant state authorities. It emphasized that their activities complied with national laws and regulations.
The government said it takes China’s security concerns seriously and remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fisheries sector, which it described as mutually beneficial.
Piracy off Somalia’s coast peaked more than a decade ago, threatening one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, before declining sharply due to international naval patrols and improved security measures. However, sporadic incidents have continued to raise concerns about maritime security in the region.
