Somalia Secures Safe Return Of Three Fishermen Missing For Months In Multi-Agency Operation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Three Somali fishermen who went missing in late 2024 have returned home safely following a coordinated search and rescue effort led by Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.

Abdullahi Yusuf Jama, Aweys Abdi Sheikh, and Bile Mohamed Mustaf had vanished during a routine fishing trip off the coast of Liido Beach in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district. Their disappearance sparked concern across their communities and prompted a months-long search involving multiple government bodies and civil society groups.

The fishermen landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport on Thursday to a hero’s welcome, greeted by government officials, family members, and representatives from the Somali Fisheries Cooperatives Association and Dan-Kulmis Cooperation for the Somali Coast.

“This moment is not only one of relief but also one of national pride,” said a Fisheries Ministry spokesperson at the airport. “It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our fishing communities.”

The successful operation was the result of extensive collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and regional maritime organizations. Officials said diplomatic channels and community-level intelligence played a critical role in locating the men and securing their return.

Somalia’s coastline, the longest in mainland Africa, remains a vital economic and cultural lifeline for millions of Somalis. However, fishing communities often face high risks at sea, ranging from rough weather and equipment failure to piracy and maritime disputes.

“This is a victory not just for these three brave men, but for the entire Somali blue economy,” said Dan-Kulmis Cooperation Chairperson, adding that greater investment in coastal safety and infrastructure is essential.

The case has drawn attention to the challenges facing artisanal fishers in the Horn of Africa and has sparked fresh debate on the need for enhanced regional coordination on maritime safety and labor protections.

The emotional homecoming serves as a rare but welcome reminder of what is possible when state institutions, civil society, and international actors work together.

“This is not just about bringing people home, it’s about rebuilding trust between the state and the people who live off the sea,” said one observer at the airport.

The three men are now undergoing routine medical checks and are expected to reunite privately with their families in the coming days.