Pirate Boarding of Hellas Aphrodite and Suspicious Approaches Off Somalia Amid Resurgent Threats
On November 7 a suspicious approach occurred by a small craft which then returned to its mothership, identified as ISA Mohamdi, originating from an Iranian port.
INDIAN OCEAN — A suspicious approach occurred on November 7 involving the craft ISA Mohamdi, positioned 528 nautical miles (978 kilometers) southeast of Eyl, Somalia, which returned to its mothership (identified as ISA Mohamdi and originated from an Iranian port).
This followed the boarding of the Maltese-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite on November 6, approximately 560 nautical miles (1,037 kilometers) southeast of Eyl, Somalia, where pirates fired small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.
The 24 crew members retreated to the citadel and remained safe. Earlier events included an attempted boarding of the Cayman Islands-flagged tanker Stolt Sagaland on November 3, 332 nautical miles (615 kilometers) east of Mogadishu, Somalia, repelled by the vessel’s security team.
These occurrences indicate a pattern of maritime threats in the Somali Basin. Local authorities seized one dhow in suspicious activity reported on October 28 near Garacad, 106 nautical miles (196 kilometers) south of Eyl, Somalia, while the second evaded capture.
Investigations by military authorities continue, amid a focused operation to deter piracy.
Latest Suspicious Approach and Identification
On November 7 at position 03° 57’ 00” N, 051° 00’ 00” E (approximately 528 nautical miles or 978 kilometers southeast of Eyl, Somalia), a small craft with three persons approached a vessel. The master reported it as ISA Mohamdi, which had originated from an Iranian port. The craft turned back to its suspected mothership.
This event aligns with patterns observed in recent operations. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations advised caution and reporting of suspicious activity. In addition, authorities investigate potential connections to broader threats.
Mothership Origin and Registration
Vessel tracking data indicates that vessels named MOHAMADI or similar variants are registered under the Iranian flag. Marine Tracking Data shows that the ISA Mohamdi ship is currently sailing under the Iranian flag.
This registration typically implies the vessel’s home port or origin is in Iran. Public maritime databases confirm these details for comparable vessels, supporting the master’s report of its Iranian port origin in the context of ISA MOHHAMDI.
Such information aids in understanding operational capabilities in piracy incidents. Authorities continue monitoring for threat connections.