Al Kausar recovered by Somali Forces - 8 Crew Missing #piracy #marsec

Somali forces have recovered the Al Kausar, an Indian dhow that was seized by pirates on March 31 near Socotra Island. However, local sources informed VOA that only two of the crew were found aboard, and the other eight (or nine) crewmembers are believed to have been abducted.

“We have the boat and two of the crew members but eight other members of the crew are still missing because the pirates took them off the boat,” said Abdulahi Ahmed Ali, a commissioner for the Hobyo region.

Ali told VOA that elders had warned the pirates of approaching security forces, giving the kidnappers time to flee. He said that they had left for the village of Qarafaow, inland and southwest from Hobyo.

The dhow was reportedly carrying goods to Bosaso, a city in the autonomous state of Puntland, on behalf of Somali merchants in Kismayo. Last week, a pirate leader identified as Aw Kombe told Reuters that the hijackers were still negotiating with the merchants over the return of the vessel. "The traders want the dhow released without ransom but my friends say they will not release it without at least some cash," he said.

Full article here: The Maritime Executive