A Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of Somalia with up to 18 crewmembers has been hijacked by alleged pirates, “some of whom are carrying AK-47 and machine guns.”

After receiving an alert by the Puntland maritime police force, European Union’s Atalanta naval force (EUNAVFOR) has been monitoring a Chinese fishing vessel off the North-east coast of Puntland, Somalia, allegedly hijacked.

The fishing vessel has remained permanently within the territorial waters of Somalia.

Following the detection by EUNAVFOR Atalanta, assets have been in the vicinity of the Chinese fishing vessel to increase situational awareness and gather information, confirming that the fishing vessel is under the control of the alleged pirates.

None of the crewmembers have been injured, according to reports. After investigation, the event has been classified as “armed robbery at sea,” which means that it is a piracy case within the territorial waters.

EUNAVFOR Atalanta said that it is in permanent contact with the appropriate Somali and Chinese authorities, as well as with the delegation of the European Union to Somalia.

“Operation Atalanta strongly recommends merchant and other vulnerable vessels to register in the MSCHOA’s voluntary registration scheme (VRS), to provide the most effective monitoring and response by Atalanta forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats,” the statement reads.