By Ghulam Suhrawardi*
Since the first hijacking of Bangladeshi vessel M.V. Jahan Moni in December 2010, M.V. Abdullah was the second vessel to encounter the same fate on March 12, 2024. KSRM Group, the parent company of SR Shipping Limited, owns both vessels. Based on experience, the shipping company has adequate knowledge about the Somali pirates.
The waters off Somalia were quiet for some time. Navies of various nations guard this area to protect their vessels. We are unaware of any Bangladeshi government or Navy protection mechanism. Bangladesh’s maritime shipping is growing but is still small compared to other nations. Therefore, the Bangladesh Navy’s role in safeguarding or rescuing the vessel or the crew is not an option now.
Having had the experience with the Jahan Moni, I believe the vessel’s owners are in the best position to navigate this ordeal.
Some fake news floated in the Indian media, and our news channels were later identified as untruths. Any future rescue operations and cooperation with foreign forces should be coordinated with the vessel owners.
The ship’s crew sent a message that read: “MV Abdullah. Pirates attack on Somalia, please help us. They have guns. We are attacked.” Asifur Rahman, a crew member, posted on Facebook that the ship was being “attacked by Somalian pirates,” and shared a video showing the pirates boarding the vessel.
MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi vessel with 22 crew members, was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on March 12 by around 50 Somali pirates.
Ambrey, a maritime security firm, confirmed that a group of armed individuals had taken over the ship. The security firm claimed the incident occurred in the Indian Ocean approximately 600 nautical miles (1,111km) east of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Assuming the hijackers are pirates will only mislead readers. They are well-trained navigators and business people who understand maritime business operations. They want ransom in a very expeditious and secure manner. They exactly know where the source of the money is? The vessel’s P&I Indemnity Club (Insurers) has to liaise with the pirates and commence negotiations. Obviously, this will be conducted discreetly.
The news that the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has arrested some hijackers may not hold water. PMPF is a well-armed unit trained by paramilitary South African mercenaries who are personally loyal to the established government of Puntland, but it has its political issues.
In the meantime, the Bangladeshi crew has developed a cordial relationship with the pirates. In such a sensitive situation, our media and the government must navigate cautiously. The month of Ramadan and the pirates’ being Muslims may play some role. We must wait and see what comes next.
Latest news
It was reported that each crew member’s family was given a few minutes on the vessel’s satellite phone to call their families. The pirates confiscated cell phones and electronic devices from the crew, and it has been a week since there has been any direct contact. The crew reported that they are being appropriately treated but are fearful of running out of drinking water and food supplies. All 22 crew members are reportedly on board, guarded by the pirates brandishing AK-47 rifles.
Tensions arose when the Indian Navy successfully rescued the crew of the Bulgarian vessel Ruen last weekend. Reports are that a warship working with the EUNAVFOR Atalanta mission is watching the Abdullah from afar after tracking the ship to Somalia. The Indian Navy reported following the vessel until it reached Somali waters.
The pirates fear a possible rescue attempt by international forces. Reports are that they repositioned the bulker closer to shore while reiterating that they were holding the crew aboard in a single room. Bangladesh government officials and SR Shipping announced in the media that they did not approve an action with force and remain hopeful of a quick settlement. The owners were contacted on Wednesday, and no specific ransom demands were reported.
*The author is involved in a maritime-related business based in the USA with branches worldwide. He is the President of the Bangladesh Marine Academy Alumni Association (BMAAA).
