Resurgence of ransom in a distracted world

Five vessel seizures in less than five months have turned a supposedly dormant threat into a maritime pattern. MT Honour 25 was captured off Puntland on April 21 with 18,500 barrels of oil aboard. MT Eureka followed on May 2, carrying 20,400 barrels of diesel; its captors initially demanded $10 million. MT Asana disappeared in July. Lutuf was boarded in August amid conflicting reports over whether Turkish commandos intervened or Puntland negotiated its release. Days later, Sibu 1 transmitted a