Still, such vessels were usually forced to break off when they chased pirates into Somali territorial waters.

In addition to formal disputes, the government of Somalia exercises little control de facto over Somali territorial waters.

Last week, Fort Victoria was involved in an operation to force a hijacked ship to return to Somali waters.

However, many foreign naval vessels chasing pirates were forced to break off when the pirates entered Somali territorial waters.

Furthermore, it noted that this threat had extended beyond Somali territorial waters to the western Indian Ocean and children were involved.

However, the pirates had already hijacked the vessel and reached Somali territorial waters after threatening the captured crew members.

There are believed to be around five well-organized pirate groups operating in Somali waters.

Maritime agencies continue to caution ships to avoid Somali waters or travel with escorts.

The pretext of the pirates was to levy a fishing tax on a ship in Somali waters.

The hijacked trawler escaped into Somali territorial waters.