Monday 26,May 2025 {HMC}. Security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have arrested 27 Yemeni fishermen, along with one Somali national, after their vessel was caught illegally fishing in Puntland waters.
The Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said the boat, named “Maimon 1”, is owned by the Yemeni government and was intercepted by the Puntland Coast Guard on May 14, 2025, off the coast of Ras Asir. The vessel reportedly used a prohibited method known as “Hawi,” which is banned under Puntland fishing regulations.
Authorities added that the vessel lacked a registered local representative, violating Puntland’s laws requiring official coordination with the ministry.
“This is a clear breach of Puntland’s fisheries law. The boat and its crew did not comply with the required legal and regulatory protocols,” the ministry stated.
The detainees are currently in custody, and legal proceedings are expected to begin this week at the Baargaal District First Instance Court, where charges will be formally addressed.
The Yemeni embassy in Mogadishu and other relevant Somali authorities have been notified. Meanwhile, the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea, under the Hadhramaut regional administration, confirmed it is in contact with Somali officials to secure the fishermen’s release.
