Three Turkish sailors aboard tank hijacked by Somali pirates
ANKARA, Dec 31, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) --
Company: St James Co/The (STJC)
Three Turkish sailors were among the 26 crew members on board a British-flagged tanker which was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Turkish officials said on Thursday.
The 8,000-ton St James Park was seized by the pirates on Tuesday when the chemical tanker was sailing en route to Thailand from Spain, the officials were quoted as saying by the semi- official Anatolia news agency.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Somali Pirates Seize a Tanker and a Cargo Ship
By MARK McDONALD - NYT
Published: December 29, 2009
HONG KONG — A Greek-owned cargo ship and a British-flagged chemical tanker have been seized by Somali pirates as the marauders scored a record number of attacks and hijackings in 2009.
The Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau said Tuesday that pirates operating across the Gulf of Aden and along the coast of Somalia have attacked 214 vessels so far this year, resulting in 47 hijackings. Twelve of those ships, with a total of 263 crew members, are currently being held for ransom by the pirates.
In 2008, according to the maritime bureau, 111 ships were attacked in the region, a figure that itself represented a 200 percent increase from 2007.
The St James Park, a slow-moving chemical tanker bound from Spain to Thailand, issued a distress signal on Monday that it was being attacked in the Gulf of Aden. The owners confirmed Tuesday that the ship had been seized.
The tanker was being monitored by the European Union Naval Force Somalia, which said Tuesday that the ship was being taken toward Somalia. Its crew of 26 was said to include Filipinos, Russians, Georgians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Poles, Indians and Turks. More!
By MARK McDONALD - NYT
Published: December 29, 2009
HONG KONG — A Greek-owned cargo ship and a British-flagged chemical tanker have been seized by Somali pirates as the marauders scored a record number of attacks and hijackings in 2009.
The Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau said Tuesday that pirates operating across the Gulf of Aden and along the coast of Somalia have attacked 214 vessels so far this year, resulting in 47 hijackings. Twelve of those ships, with a total of 263 crew members, are currently being held for ransom by the pirates.
In 2008, according to the maritime bureau, 111 ships were attacked in the region, a figure that itself represented a 200 percent increase from 2007.
The St James Park, a slow-moving chemical tanker bound from Spain to Thailand, issued a distress signal on Monday that it was being attacked in the Gulf of Aden. The owners confirmed Tuesday that the ship had been seized.
The tanker was being monitored by the European Union Naval Force Somalia, which said Tuesday that the ship was being taken toward Somalia. Its crew of 26 was said to include Filipinos, Russians, Georgians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Poles, Indians and Turks. More!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Somali Pirates to Release Chinese Ship
Somali pirates say they will release a Chinese cargo ship seized two months ago far off the coast of Somalia.
Pirates say they have reached agreement to receive a ransom of nearly $4 million, and will free the carrier De Xin Hai and its crew in the coming hours.
The 25 crewmen on board are said to be safe. The pirates initially threatened to kill the entire crew if China's navy attempted to rescue them. The Chinese cargo ship was seized in mid-October in the Indian Ocean, some 650 kilometers northeast of the Seychelles islands and about 1,300 kilometers off Somalia's east coast.
This was Somali pirates' first hijacking of a Chinese freighter since Beijing deployed three warships to combat piracy off the lawless Horn of Africa nation.
Somali pirates say they will release a Chinese cargo ship seized two months ago far off the coast of Somalia.
Pirates say they have reached agreement to receive a ransom of nearly $4 million, and will free the carrier De Xin Hai and its crew in the coming hours.
The 25 crewmen on board are said to be safe. The pirates initially threatened to kill the entire crew if China's navy attempted to rescue them. The Chinese cargo ship was seized in mid-October in the Indian Ocean, some 650 kilometers northeast of the Seychelles islands and about 1,300 kilometers off Somalia's east coast.
This was Somali pirates' first hijacking of a Chinese freighter since Beijing deployed three warships to combat piracy off the lawless Horn of Africa nation.
Friday, December 25, 2009
AP Enterprise: Year after warships come, piracy up
By KATHARINE HOURELDThe Associated Press Friday, December 25, 2009; 8:14 AM
NAIROBI, Kenya -- A helicopter fired warning shots toward a suspected pirate skiff, where six Somali men sat among assault rifles, grappling hooks and an aluminum ladder. But before it could be boarded by sailors from a nearby warship, the men threw all the gear overboard.
With little evidence to convict them, the would-be pirates were let go, along with their boat and enough fuel to get to Somalia. Nothing was done to prevent the men from rearming and trying again.
The high-seas encounter last week illustrates how the multinational naval force deployed a year ago to try to stem piracy has had limited success. Experts say the attacks won't stop unless pirate havens inside Somalia are eliminated.
But that goal remains elusive. The U.N.-backed Somali government can barely hold a section of the capital, let alone go after onshore pirate havens. Foreign governments are reluctant to deploy ground forces. More!
By KATHARINE HOURELDThe Associated Press Friday, December 25, 2009; 8:14 AM
NAIROBI, Kenya -- A helicopter fired warning shots toward a suspected pirate skiff, where six Somali men sat among assault rifles, grappling hooks and an aluminum ladder. But before it could be boarded by sailors from a nearby warship, the men threw all the gear overboard.
With little evidence to convict them, the would-be pirates were let go, along with their boat and enough fuel to get to Somalia. Nothing was done to prevent the men from rearming and trying again.
The high-seas encounter last week illustrates how the multinational naval force deployed a year ago to try to stem piracy has had limited success. Experts say the attacks won't stop unless pirate havens inside Somalia are eliminated.
But that goal remains elusive. The U.N.-backed Somali government can barely hold a section of the capital, let alone go after onshore pirate havens. Foreign governments are reluctant to deploy ground forces. More!
Kidnap couple spend Christmas in captivity
Two British hostages being held by pirates in Somalia are facing a Christmas in captivity with no immediate sign of their release.
Paul and Rachel Chandler, 59 and 55, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, disappeared on 23 October in the Indian Ocean.
Somalia's Radio Gaalkacyo said the couple faced daily threats from the pirates who hijacked their yacht.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it was continuing to monitor the situation "closely".
It repeated its call for the couple to be released.
It also said it was in "close contact" with the Chandlers' family and was offering support.
Radio reports on Wednesday from the coastal town of Xarardheere, also known as Harardheere, said the hostages were facing difficult living conditions while in captivity.
The pirates have previously demanded a ransom of $7m (£4.3m) in a phone call to the BBC, and said they would shoot the couple if the ransom was not paid.
Ransom refusal:
According to the radio broadcast, one of the pirates has said they will give the British government a short period of time in which to organise the ransom payment.
The FCO has previously expressed sympathy for the victims' families, but has continued to reiterate its position that it does not "make substantive concessions to hostage takers, including ransoms".
The Chandlers have previously spoken on camera to warn that their captors were "losing patience" and could kill them.
Their family made another appeal for their release after seeing the footage of them surrounded by gunmen.
Their yacht has since been returned to Portland, Dorset, on board the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave Knight.
And Somali pirates have recently increased their operations off Somali waters. The Somali government has called for action to combat the pirates but said it needed support from the international community.
Two British hostages being held by pirates in Somalia are facing a Christmas in captivity with no immediate sign of their release.
Paul and Rachel Chandler, 59 and 55, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, disappeared on 23 October in the Indian Ocean.
Somalia's Radio Gaalkacyo said the couple faced daily threats from the pirates who hijacked their yacht.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it was continuing to monitor the situation "closely".
It repeated its call for the couple to be released.
It also said it was in "close contact" with the Chandlers' family and was offering support.
Radio reports on Wednesday from the coastal town of Xarardheere, also known as Harardheere, said the hostages were facing difficult living conditions while in captivity.
The pirates have previously demanded a ransom of $7m (£4.3m) in a phone call to the BBC, and said they would shoot the couple if the ransom was not paid.
Ransom refusal:
According to the radio broadcast, one of the pirates has said they will give the British government a short period of time in which to organise the ransom payment.
The FCO has previously expressed sympathy for the victims' families, but has continued to reiterate its position that it does not "make substantive concessions to hostage takers, including ransoms".
The Chandlers have previously spoken on camera to warn that their captors were "losing patience" and could kill them.
Their family made another appeal for their release after seeing the footage of them surrounded by gunmen.
Their yacht has since been returned to Portland, Dorset, on board the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave Knight.
And Somali pirates have recently increased their operations off Somali waters. The Somali government has called for action to combat the pirates but said it needed support from the international community.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Indian navy thwarts pirates attempt on foreign vessel
NEW DELHI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- An Indian navy warship in the Gulf of Aden thwarted a piracy attempt on a foreign vessel, the Indo-Asian News Service reported Sunday.
The news service quoted an Indian navy officer as saying the INS Godavari got a distress call at 17:30 p.m. (1200 GMT) Saturday that a pirate's skiff was approaching them and it sent a helicopter which fired warning shots at the pirates.
The Indian navy warship also sent a team on board the pirates' skiff and all the materials like ladders used to board ships were seized.
The seven to eight pirates had thrown all their weapons in the sea before they were released, said the report.
The nationality and name of the vessel which asked for help were not mentioned in the report.
This was the second successful anti-piracy operation by INS Godavari in the Somali waters since mid-November, said the report.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- An Indian navy warship in the Gulf of Aden thwarted a piracy attempt on a foreign vessel, the Indo-Asian News Service reported Sunday.
The news service quoted an Indian navy officer as saying the INS Godavari got a distress call at 17:30 p.m. (1200 GMT) Saturday that a pirate's skiff was approaching them and it sent a helicopter which fired warning shots at the pirates.
The Indian navy warship also sent a team on board the pirates' skiff and all the materials like ladders used to board ships were seized.
The seven to eight pirates had thrown all their weapons in the sea before they were released, said the report.
The nationality and name of the vessel which asked for help were not mentioned in the report.
This was the second successful anti-piracy operation by INS Godavari in the Somali waters since mid-November, said the report.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Pirates release Greek vessel near Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The European Union Naval Force said the MV Delvina, a Greek-owned bulk carrier, was released by pirates off the east coast
of Somalia.
The naval force said in a release Friday that pirates seized control of the MV Delvina Nov. 5, taking the ship's 21 crew members prisoner.
The condition of the seven Ukrainian and 14 Filipino crew members following the vessel's release Thursday was not released.
The naval force said the warship Bremen of the European Union Naval Force Somalia is monitoring the MV Delvina until it arrives at its port of destination in order to provide any necessary assistance to the vessel.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The European Union Naval Force said the MV Delvina, a Greek-owned bulk carrier, was released by pirates off the east coast
of Somalia.
The naval force said in a release Friday that pirates seized control of the MV Delvina Nov. 5, taking the ship's 21 crew members prisoner.
The condition of the seven Ukrainian and 14 Filipino crew members following the vessel's release Thursday was not released.
The naval force said the warship Bremen of the European Union Naval Force Somalia is monitoring the MV Delvina until it arrives at its port of destination in order to provide any necessary assistance to the vessel.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NATO May Deploy Awacs Plane to Fight Pirates, Di Paola Says
By James G. Neuger
Dec. 16 (Bloomberg) -- NATO may deploy an Awacs radar plane to hunt pirates in the seas off Somalia as attacks on merchant ships spread further into the Indian Ocean, the head of the alliance’s military committee said.
Commanders are seeking to back up a five-ship counterpiracy task force with one of the airborne warning and control system surveillance planes, possibly sharing it with the allied International Security Assistance Force fighting in Afghanistan.
“It would not be inconceivable, for example, having a dual use of Awacs maybe located somewhere in the region and being able to perform missions for ISAF and missions for counterpiracy,” Italian Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, the committee chairman, said in a Bloomberg Television interview in Brussels today.
Stalked by warships from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union and countries including Russia and China, pirates operating from safe havens in Somalia are ranging as far as 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) out to sea to prey on merchant vessels.
Pirates struck 147 times off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden during the first nine months of 2009, up from 63 attacks in the year-earlier period, the International Maritime Bureau said. A tenth of the world’s trade passes through that sea corridor.
Somalia’s lack of an effective government after almost two decades of civil war has turned it into a base for gangs that seize commercial ships. Pirates often hold them for ransom, as when they extorted $2.8 million for the release of the 24 Ukrainian crew members of a British-owned bulk carrier last week after a seven-month ordeal.
NATO Task Force
Warships from the U.S., Italy, Portugal and Canada make up the current NATO task force, cobbled together from a group that is normally used for routine exercises and port visits.
Known as “eyes in the sky,” the Awacs are modified Boeing 707s topped with a rotating dome housing radar equipment. NATO’s 17-plane Awacs fleet, managed by crews from 15 countries, is based in Geilenkirchen, Germany.
Use of the Awacs in a conflict zone requires unanimous approval by the 28 NATO allies. It took months for NATO last year to approve the deployment of Awacs over Afghanistan to monitor the increasingly crowded airspace there.
The Awacs request for the piracy mission “has just come in so I would feel the discussion will start the beginning of next year,” said Di Paola, whose committee consists of high- ranking officers from all NATO countries.
‘Not for Free’
“Deploying an Awacs costs money, it’s not for free,” Di Paola, 65, said. “There will be some serious discussion up to which point this can be done.”
Di Paola rebutted concerns that there is a lack of coordination between the NATO and EU anti-piracy task forces and solo ships from other countries.
The EU’s six-frigate force may start patrolling further into the Indian Ocean as pirate activity widens, U.K. Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, commander of the EU mission, said in an interview last week.
NATO ships have chased sea bandits as far as the approaches to the Seychelles islands, and the various fleets have working arrangements to divide up their zone of coverage depending on where the pirates are, Di Paola said.
“There is a lot of maritime space over there,” Di Paola said. “The pirates are responding in an intelligent way, moving wherever they think there’s a lack of presence. If NATO forces for a certain period are more concentrated on the Gulf of Aden, this allows the European Union to move away.”
To contact the reporter on this story: James G. Neuger in Brussels at jneuger@bloomberg.net Last Updated: December 16, 2009 07:52 EST
By James G. Neuger
Dec. 16 (Bloomberg) -- NATO may deploy an Awacs radar plane to hunt pirates in the seas off Somalia as attacks on merchant ships spread further into the Indian Ocean, the head of the alliance’s military committee said.
Commanders are seeking to back up a five-ship counterpiracy task force with one of the airborne warning and control system surveillance planes, possibly sharing it with the allied International Security Assistance Force fighting in Afghanistan.
“It would not be inconceivable, for example, having a dual use of Awacs maybe located somewhere in the region and being able to perform missions for ISAF and missions for counterpiracy,” Italian Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, the committee chairman, said in a Bloomberg Television interview in Brussels today.
Stalked by warships from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union and countries including Russia and China, pirates operating from safe havens in Somalia are ranging as far as 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) out to sea to prey on merchant vessels.
Pirates struck 147 times off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden during the first nine months of 2009, up from 63 attacks in the year-earlier period, the International Maritime Bureau said. A tenth of the world’s trade passes through that sea corridor.
Somalia’s lack of an effective government after almost two decades of civil war has turned it into a base for gangs that seize commercial ships. Pirates often hold them for ransom, as when they extorted $2.8 million for the release of the 24 Ukrainian crew members of a British-owned bulk carrier last week after a seven-month ordeal.
NATO Task Force
Warships from the U.S., Italy, Portugal and Canada make up the current NATO task force, cobbled together from a group that is normally used for routine exercises and port visits.
Known as “eyes in the sky,” the Awacs are modified Boeing 707s topped with a rotating dome housing radar equipment. NATO’s 17-plane Awacs fleet, managed by crews from 15 countries, is based in Geilenkirchen, Germany.
Use of the Awacs in a conflict zone requires unanimous approval by the 28 NATO allies. It took months for NATO last year to approve the deployment of Awacs over Afghanistan to monitor the increasingly crowded airspace there.
The Awacs request for the piracy mission “has just come in so I would feel the discussion will start the beginning of next year,” said Di Paola, whose committee consists of high- ranking officers from all NATO countries.
‘Not for Free’
“Deploying an Awacs costs money, it’s not for free,” Di Paola, 65, said. “There will be some serious discussion up to which point this can be done.”
Di Paola rebutted concerns that there is a lack of coordination between the NATO and EU anti-piracy task forces and solo ships from other countries.
The EU’s six-frigate force may start patrolling further into the Indian Ocean as pirate activity widens, U.K. Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, commander of the EU mission, said in an interview last week.
NATO ships have chased sea bandits as far as the approaches to the Seychelles islands, and the various fleets have working arrangements to divide up their zone of coverage depending on where the pirates are, Di Paola said.
“There is a lot of maritime space over there,” Di Paola said. “The pirates are responding in an intelligent way, moving wherever they think there’s a lack of presence. If NATO forces for a certain period are more concentrated on the Gulf of Aden, this allows the European Union to move away.”
To contact the reporter on this story: James G. Neuger in Brussels at jneuger@bloomberg.net Last Updated: December 16, 2009 07:52 EST
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Somali Pirates Hijack Indian Dhow Off The Horn Of Africa
Mogadishu, Somalia (AHN) - Somali pirates have seized yet another vessel off the Horn of Africa coast. The latest ship to fall victim to pirates is an Indian dhow.
Authorities confirmed the the hijacking on Monday but said the Laxmi Sagar was seized on Sunday. According to published reports the vessel operates frequently between Saudi Arabia and the African coast.
This week's recent incident is just another in a every increasing piracy problem off the coast of Africa. The waters off the coast of Somalia has been rife with piracy and numerous vessels from various countries have fallen prey to their attacks and ransom demands.
Maritime officials say nearly 25,000 ships a year use the shipping lines in Gulf of Aden off Somalia's northern coast. Furthermore anti-piracy task forces say the waterway also boasts being the highest risk of piracy in the world.
Somali marine forces recently trained to guard the coast and African Union security personnel captured three suspected pirates on Sunday. Authorities say the case involving the three is currently ongoing and they will likely be tried in Mogadishu. More!
Mogadishu, Somalia (AHN) - Somali pirates have seized yet another vessel off the Horn of Africa coast. The latest ship to fall victim to pirates is an Indian dhow.
Authorities confirmed the the hijacking on Monday but said the Laxmi Sagar was seized on Sunday. According to published reports the vessel operates frequently between Saudi Arabia and the African coast.
This week's recent incident is just another in a every increasing piracy problem off the coast of Africa. The waters off the coast of Somalia has been rife with piracy and numerous vessels from various countries have fallen prey to their attacks and ransom demands.
Maritime officials say nearly 25,000 ships a year use the shipping lines in Gulf of Aden off Somalia's northern coast. Furthermore anti-piracy task forces say the waterway also boasts being the highest risk of piracy in the world.
Somali marine forces recently trained to guard the coast and African Union security personnel captured three suspected pirates on Sunday. Authorities say the case involving the three is currently ongoing and they will likely be tried in Mogadishu. More!
Somali police officers killed by Puntland bomb - Pirates blamed
At least three Somali police officers have been killed by a roadside bomb in the port city of Bossaso in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
The bomb is reported to have exploded as the police vehicle drove past on a routine patrol.
Puntland has been relatively stable compared with the rest of Somalia but violence has recently increased.
Last month a judge known for his tough stance against pirates and Islamist militants was shot dead.
Many of the pirates who attack ships in the Indian Ocean are based in Puntland. It is also home to people-traffickers who help people cross the Red Sea to Aden.
At least three Somali police officers have been killed by a roadside bomb in the port city of Bossaso in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
The bomb is reported to have exploded as the police vehicle drove past on a routine patrol.
Puntland has been relatively stable compared with the rest of Somalia but violence has recently increased.
Last month a judge known for his tough stance against pirates and Islamist militants was shot dead.
Many of the pirates who attack ships in the Indian Ocean are based in Puntland. It is also home to people-traffickers who help people cross the Red Sea to Aden.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Liberian torture victims seeking damages to face ex-President Taylor's son in Fla. courtroom
CURT ANDERSON - AP Legal Affairs Writer
10:45 a.m. EST, December 10, 2009
MIAMI (AP) — Five Africans who claim they were tortured and abused in Liberia when former President Charles Taylor ruled will come to a U.S. courtroom next week seeking millions of dollars from the man they say ordered the atrocities: Taylor's son, Charles McArthur Emmanuel.Emmanuel, also known as Charles "Chuckie" Taylor Jr., was convicted in federal court in Miami last year of violating U.S. anti-torture laws as a high-level enforcer for his father. He is serving a 97-year prison sentence. The five Liberian victims filed a lawsuit against him earlier this year, winning a default judgment in May that leaves only the question of damages for a trial that begins Monday.
"No amount of money could ever undo the wrongs Taylor Jr. committed or fully restore the lives he destroyed," said Piper Hendricks, an attorney for Human Rights USA who represents the victims. " More!
CURT ANDERSON - AP Legal Affairs Writer
10:45 a.m. EST, December 10, 2009
MIAMI (AP) — Five Africans who claim they were tortured and abused in Liberia when former President Charles Taylor ruled will come to a U.S. courtroom next week seeking millions of dollars from the man they say ordered the atrocities: Taylor's son, Charles McArthur Emmanuel.Emmanuel, also known as Charles "Chuckie" Taylor Jr., was convicted in federal court in Miami last year of violating U.S. anti-torture laws as a high-level enforcer for his father. He is serving a 97-year prison sentence. The five Liberian victims filed a lawsuit against him earlier this year, winning a default judgment in May that leaves only the question of damages for a trial that begins Monday.
"No amount of money could ever undo the wrongs Taylor Jr. committed or fully restore the lives he destroyed," said Piper Hendricks, an attorney for Human Rights USA who represents the victims. " More!
Somali Pirates Release Ship and Crew After 6 Months
By REUTERS
Published: December 10, 2009
Somali pirates have released the Greek-owned vessel MT Ariana and its 24 Ukrainian crew members more than six months after it was seized, its owners said Thursday. The owners said the company had paid a ransom to the gunmen holding the ship. The company declined to provide an amount, but a pirate said by telephone that $2.6 million had been paid. Pirates from Somalia have made tens of millions of dollars in ransoms, seizing commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. A multinational naval deployment in the area seems only to have driven them to hunt farther from shore.
By REUTERS
Published: December 10, 2009
Somali pirates have released the Greek-owned vessel MT Ariana and its 24 Ukrainian crew members more than six months after it was seized, its owners said Thursday. The owners said the company had paid a ransom to the gunmen holding the ship. The company declined to provide an amount, but a pirate said by telephone that $2.6 million had been paid. Pirates from Somalia have made tens of millions of dollars in ransoms, seizing commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. A multinational naval deployment in the area seems only to have driven them to hunt farther from shore.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Boats call off search in Bangladesh pirate attack
By TOFAYEL AHMED - Associated Press - 2009-12-09 06:53 PM
Four boats returned to port Wednesday after failing to find 16 Bangladeshi fishermen who were thrown into the sea by pirates after their vessel was attacked last week, the boats' owner said.
"My people could not trace any bodies. ... I am just helpless," Salamat Ullah said.
Two other men on the fishing boat who were also thrown into the ocean were soon rescued by another boat. They said 25-30 pirates assaulted their boat in the Bay of Bengal last Friday, slashing some of the fishermen with knives before throwing all of them into the sea.
"The pirates took the boat, fish and nets away from us," said fisherman Shahidullah, who like many Bangladeshis uses only one name.
Police have asked all police stations across the vast coastal region to stay alert for the missing men and boat, local police Chief Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain said Wednesday.
Families of the missing fishermen fear that all have drowned.
"I don't believe I will get good news, but we still are waiting for him," Abdul Kader said of his father, Abu Taher, the leader of the fishing crew.
The survivors said the pirates beat Taher severely and tied his hands before throwing him into the sea.
Ullah, the boat owner, told The Associated Press at a fishing village in Cox's Bazar, 185 miles (295 kilometers) south of Dhaka, that he sent four other boats to scour the sea after the attack, but they abandoned their search and returned Wednesday.
Pirates often attack fishermen in the Bay of Bengal and authorities say they are not well equipped to protect them.
By TOFAYEL AHMED - Associated Press - 2009-12-09 06:53 PM
Four boats returned to port Wednesday after failing to find 16 Bangladeshi fishermen who were thrown into the sea by pirates after their vessel was attacked last week, the boats' owner said.
"My people could not trace any bodies. ... I am just helpless," Salamat Ullah said.
Two other men on the fishing boat who were also thrown into the ocean were soon rescued by another boat. They said 25-30 pirates assaulted their boat in the Bay of Bengal last Friday, slashing some of the fishermen with knives before throwing all of them into the sea.
"The pirates took the boat, fish and nets away from us," said fisherman Shahidullah, who like many Bangladeshis uses only one name.
Police have asked all police stations across the vast coastal region to stay alert for the missing men and boat, local police Chief Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain said Wednesday.
Families of the missing fishermen fear that all have drowned.
"I don't believe I will get good news, but we still are waiting for him," Abdul Kader said of his father, Abu Taher, the leader of the fishing crew.
The survivors said the pirates beat Taher severely and tied his hands before throwing him into the sea.
Ullah, the boat owner, told The Associated Press at a fishing village in Cox's Bazar, 185 miles (295 kilometers) south of Dhaka, that he sent four other boats to scour the sea after the attack, but they abandoned their search and returned Wednesday.
Pirates often attack fishermen in the Bay of Bengal and authorities say they are not well equipped to protect them.
Kenyan courts on legal front line in battle to stop Somali pirates
by Tristan McConnell in Mombasa
Squeezed into the wood-panelled dock, the nine young men wilted in the tropical heat. Overhead a single ceiling fan battled against the crushing coastal humidity that left judge, lawyers, accused and witness sweating in the shabby Kenyan courtroom.
As the suited lawyers for the prosecution and defence parried legalistic blows, a translator changed each half-sentence from English to Somali for the accused men, while Judge Rose Makungu wrote down every word by hand. These sluggish proceedings are the front end of the global fight against piracy.
When suspected pirates are captured by some of the dozens of international warships that patrol the Gulf of Aden and seas off Somalia daily, they are brought to Mombasa to be tried in a Kenyan court.
Agreements signed between Kenya and Britain, the United States and the European Union over the past 12 months, permit the transfers of prisoners, with 107 on trial in 11 cases. A further ten were convicted in 2006 and given seven-year sentences, although the law allows life terms. After Tuesday’s hearing, Oruko Nyarwinda, a smooth Mombasa-based lawyer with matching tie and handkerchief, told The Times that his nine clients were innocent. “These guys had a speedboat with two motors because it bears passengers crossing from Yemen to Somalia. The reason they were carrying a gun is because that place is risky,” he said. More!
by Tristan McConnell in Mombasa
Squeezed into the wood-panelled dock, the nine young men wilted in the tropical heat. Overhead a single ceiling fan battled against the crushing coastal humidity that left judge, lawyers, accused and witness sweating in the shabby Kenyan courtroom.
As the suited lawyers for the prosecution and defence parried legalistic blows, a translator changed each half-sentence from English to Somali for the accused men, while Judge Rose Makungu wrote down every word by hand. These sluggish proceedings are the front end of the global fight against piracy.
When suspected pirates are captured by some of the dozens of international warships that patrol the Gulf of Aden and seas off Somalia daily, they are brought to Mombasa to be tried in a Kenyan court.
Agreements signed between Kenya and Britain, the United States and the European Union over the past 12 months, permit the transfers of prisoners, with 107 on trial in 11 cases. A further ten were convicted in 2006 and given seven-year sentences, although the law allows life terms. After Tuesday’s hearing, Oruko Nyarwinda, a smooth Mombasa-based lawyer with matching tie and handkerchief, told The Times that his nine clients were innocent. “These guys had a speedboat with two motors because it bears passengers crossing from Yemen to Somalia. The reason they were carrying a gun is because that place is risky,” he said. More!
Indian Navy Prevents Pirate Attack in Gulf of Aden
AP-Monday, December 07, 2009
NEW DELHI — The Indian navy said Monday it thwarted a pirate attack on a Norwegian tanker in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia.
An Indian warship patrolling the seas responded to a distress call from the tanker belonging to the Nordic American Tanker Company after it was fired upon by pirates, said P.V.S. Satish, the navy spokesman in New Delhi.
A helicopter immediately took off from the warship and foiled the pirates' attempt, Satish said. Other details were not immediately available.
The Gulf of Aden is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, crossed by 20,000 vessels a year, and a prime target for Somali pirates.
Indian warships have been escorting merchant ships as part of anti-piracy surveillance in the area since last year.
AP-Monday, December 07, 2009
NEW DELHI — The Indian navy said Monday it thwarted a pirate attack on a Norwegian tanker in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia.
An Indian warship patrolling the seas responded to a distress call from the tanker belonging to the Nordic American Tanker Company after it was fired upon by pirates, said P.V.S. Satish, the navy spokesman in New Delhi.
A helicopter immediately took off from the warship and foiled the pirates' attempt, Satish said. Other details were not immediately available.
The Gulf of Aden is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, crossed by 20,000 vessels a year, and a prime target for Somali pirates.
Indian warships have been escorting merchant ships as part of anti-piracy surveillance in the area since last year.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Int'l Maritime Orgamization:
PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS
Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy
and armed robbery against ships
PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS
Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy
and armed robbery against ships
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Pirates Holding 11 Ships, 264 Sailors Off Somalia (Update1)
By Sarah McGregor
Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Pirates operating off Somalia’s coast are holding 11 ships and 264 sailors, said Rear Admiral Peter Hudson of the U.K.’s Royal Navy, commander of the European Union’s anti-piracy mission.
The latest seizure, that of Greek-owned supertanker Maran Centaurus “is illustrative of the problems of protecting and policing an area of the world’s ocean that amounts to one million square miles (1.6 million square kilometers),” Hudson told reporters today in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. “The forces at my disposal do not allow us to close down every single pirate group that operates over such an expanse,” Hudson said.
The 300,000 metric-ton Centaurus was taken by pirates off Somalia on Nov. 29 while heading to the U.S. from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, EU Navfor, as the naval mission is known, said in a statement posted on its Web site yesterday. The tanker is believed to be heading toward the Somali coast, Hudson said.
The vessel and its 28-man crew from Greece, the Philippines, Ukraine and Romania, were captured in the Somali Basin about 600 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles, EU Navfor said.
Maran Centaurus is owned by Anangel Shipping Enterprises SA, according to Lloyd’s Register-Fairplay data on Bloomberg.
“What we have seen are vessels going ever further off the coast as we see a reduction off the Gulf of Aden, a reduction close to Somalia. The forces that we have at our disposal see the pirates getting more adventurous and having to go further,” Hudson said.
To contact the reporters on this story: Sarah McGregor in Nairobi at Smcgregor5@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: December 1, 2009 08:52 EST
By Sarah McGregor
Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Pirates operating off Somalia’s coast are holding 11 ships and 264 sailors, said Rear Admiral Peter Hudson of the U.K.’s Royal Navy, commander of the European Union’s anti-piracy mission.
The latest seizure, that of Greek-owned supertanker Maran Centaurus “is illustrative of the problems of protecting and policing an area of the world’s ocean that amounts to one million square miles (1.6 million square kilometers),” Hudson told reporters today in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. “The forces at my disposal do not allow us to close down every single pirate group that operates over such an expanse,” Hudson said.
The 300,000 metric-ton Centaurus was taken by pirates off Somalia on Nov. 29 while heading to the U.S. from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, EU Navfor, as the naval mission is known, said in a statement posted on its Web site yesterday. The tanker is believed to be heading toward the Somali coast, Hudson said.
The vessel and its 28-man crew from Greece, the Philippines, Ukraine and Romania, were captured in the Somali Basin about 600 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles, EU Navfor said.
Maran Centaurus is owned by Anangel Shipping Enterprises SA, according to Lloyd’s Register-Fairplay data on Bloomberg.
“What we have seen are vessels going ever further off the coast as we see a reduction off the Gulf of Aden, a reduction close to Somalia. The forces that we have at our disposal see the pirates getting more adventurous and having to go further,” Hudson said.
To contact the reporters on this story: Sarah McGregor in Nairobi at Smcgregor5@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: December 1, 2009 08:52 EST
Guyana Fisherman Drowns After Pirates Attack Boat
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Authorities say a Guyanese fisherman drowned when he fell overboard during a pirate attack and became pinned between two boats.
Police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker says two pirates armed with a shotgun and machete attacked Satrohan Persaud's boat near neighboring Suriname. He said Monday that the pirates stole fuel, fish and fishing equipment before attacking other boats.
Officials in the South American country have urged fishermen to install radios on their boats to alert police about attacks.
Lawmakers have sought tougher penalties for piracy as attacks on small boats have increased in recent months.
Police say the 53-year-old man died Sunday.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Authorities say a Guyanese fisherman drowned when he fell overboard during a pirate attack and became pinned between two boats.
Police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker says two pirates armed with a shotgun and machete attacked Satrohan Persaud's boat near neighboring Suriname. He said Monday that the pirates stole fuel, fish and fishing equipment before attacking other boats.
Officials in the South American country have urged fishermen to install radios on their boats to alert police about attacks.
Lawmakers have sought tougher penalties for piracy as attacks on small boats have increased in recent months.
Police say the 53-year-old man died Sunday.
Tuna vessel fires back at pirates
A private security team embarked on a Spanish tuna vessel yesterday fired back on two pirate skiffs which then broke off their attack.
According to a Spanish government statement, at 5.40 AM Spanish time, November 29, 2009, Spain's Center for Maritime Surveillance Operations was notified that the fishing OrtubŽ Berria Spanish flag was being attacked by suspected pirates.
The attack was confirmed by telephone by the master of OrtubŽ Berria, who reported the following facts: On November 29th, about 5.37 Spanish time, two skiffs attacked the vessel 230 nautical miles southwest of the Seychelles. The pirates opened fire with light weapons and RPG grenade. After 30 minutes of chase, the attack was repelled by the private security team on board, who made use of their weapons.
Operation Atalanta (TF 465) has sent the Portuguese frigate Alvares Cabral to the area together with maritime patrol aircraft based in the Seychelles Islands.
A private security team embarked on a Spanish tuna vessel yesterday fired back on two pirate skiffs which then broke off their attack.
According to a Spanish government statement, at 5.40 AM Spanish time, November 29, 2009, Spain's Center for Maritime Surveillance Operations was notified that the fishing OrtubŽ Berria Spanish flag was being attacked by suspected pirates.
The attack was confirmed by telephone by the master of OrtubŽ Berria, who reported the following facts: On November 29th, about 5.37 Spanish time, two skiffs attacked the vessel 230 nautical miles southwest of the Seychelles. The pirates opened fire with light weapons and RPG grenade. After 30 minutes of chase, the attack was repelled by the private security team on board, who made use of their weapons.
Operation Atalanta (TF 465) has sent the Portuguese frigate Alvares Cabral to the area together with maritime patrol aircraft based in the Seychelles Islands.
Pirate Exhibit in Norfolk Taps Into Pirate Craze
In seafaring Norfolk, exhibit looks at 'Golden Age of Piracy' and taps into pirate craze
By STEVE SZKOTAK Associated Press WriterNORFOLK, Va. November 30, 2009 (AP)
Growing up on Cape Cod, explorer Barry Clifford was fascinated by the romantic tale of "Black Sam" Bellamy. Sailing to Massachusetts to rendezvous with his mistress, the pirate encountered a nor'easter that sent him, most of his crew, and tons of gold, silver and jewels to the ocean's bottom.
The lore launched Clifford on a life of treasure-hunting — including the discovery in 1984 of the Whydah, Bellamy's treasure-laden three-master, which sank off of Wellfleet, Mass., on April 26, 1717.
"I was looking for treasure, and I found it," Clifford, 64, said. "More treasure than I could have ever imagined. The whole bottom was layered with it." More...
In seafaring Norfolk, exhibit looks at 'Golden Age of Piracy' and taps into pirate craze
By STEVE SZKOTAK Associated Press WriterNORFOLK, Va. November 30, 2009 (AP)
Growing up on Cape Cod, explorer Barry Clifford was fascinated by the romantic tale of "Black Sam" Bellamy. Sailing to Massachusetts to rendezvous with his mistress, the pirate encountered a nor'easter that sent him, most of his crew, and tons of gold, silver and jewels to the ocean's bottom.
The lore launched Clifford on a life of treasure-hunting — including the discovery in 1984 of the Whydah, Bellamy's treasure-laden three-master, which sank off of Wellfleet, Mass., on April 26, 1717.
"I was looking for treasure, and I found it," Clifford, 64, said. "More treasure than I could have ever imagined. The whole bottom was layered with it." More...
Somali Pirates Seize U.S.-Bound Tanker
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN NAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates have struck again, this time seizing an enormous oil tanker heading to the United States, naval authorities said on Monday. According to European naval reports, nine pirates hijacked the tanker 600 miles offshore and headed back to one of their notorious lairs in central Somalia.
The tanker is listed at 300,000 tons and may be one of the biggest ships ever taken.
The Somali pirate business appears to be back in full swing after a brief lull this summer that some people mistakenly attributed to the increased naval patrols but in reality was more likely because of the monsoon season. Now that the seas are calm, the pirates are striking with impunity again.
“They have definitely increased their capacity and their ability to stay out at sea for longer,” said Cyrus Mody, manager of the International Maritime Bureau in London. He said this gave them “the reach and the capability.” The pirates, who are often penniless former fishermen from Somalia’s war zones, appeared to be using so-called mother ships to position themselves in the middle of the ocean and attack vessels hundreds of miles away. From the mother ships they deploy motorized dinghies.
The pirates are focusing on the vast stretch of ocean between the African mainland and Seychelles, a set of picturesque islands best known for their beaches. In the past two months, 38 ships have been attacked and 10 hijacked, the International Maritime Bureau said. This continues despite a hefty naval presence, with an average of 20 warships per day cruising off Somalia’s coast.
Still, American officials said, it is not enough. “It’s 2.5 million square miles we’re dealing with,” said Lt. Matt Allen, a spokesman for United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain. “It’s a very large area. It’s a daunting task.”
The pirates seem to have shifted their hunt from the Gulf of Aden, where dozens of ships were attacked in 2008 but which is now heavily patrolled, to the southern waters near Seychelles. That is where a British couple taking the trip of a lifetime were recently hijacked in their sailboat. Their kidnappers have threatened to kill them unless a seven-figure ransom is paid.
Cash like this seems to be drawing more and more Somalis into the business. Piracy used to be dominated by two clans, the Saleban, based in Xarardheere, and the Majeerten, who brought hijacked ships back to a small beach town called Eyl. Now, according to witnesses in Somalia, many other clans are involved, even Bantus, a minority group best known as farmers.
It is not clear who seized the oil tanker, which was hijacked on Sunday, though the news was not released until Monday.
According to European naval officials, the ship is owned by a Greek company and was heading to New Orleans from Jidda, Saudi Arabia. Its crew included Greeks, Filipinos, Ukrainians and a Romanian.
Maritime officials said the ship was similar in size to the Sirius Star, a tanker hijacked last year that was ransomed for $3 million.
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN NAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates have struck again, this time seizing an enormous oil tanker heading to the United States, naval authorities said on Monday. According to European naval reports, nine pirates hijacked the tanker 600 miles offshore and headed back to one of their notorious lairs in central Somalia.
The tanker is listed at 300,000 tons and may be one of the biggest ships ever taken.
The Somali pirate business appears to be back in full swing after a brief lull this summer that some people mistakenly attributed to the increased naval patrols but in reality was more likely because of the monsoon season. Now that the seas are calm, the pirates are striking with impunity again.
“They have definitely increased their capacity and their ability to stay out at sea for longer,” said Cyrus Mody, manager of the International Maritime Bureau in London. He said this gave them “the reach and the capability.” The pirates, who are often penniless former fishermen from Somalia’s war zones, appeared to be using so-called mother ships to position themselves in the middle of the ocean and attack vessels hundreds of miles away. From the mother ships they deploy motorized dinghies.
The pirates are focusing on the vast stretch of ocean between the African mainland and Seychelles, a set of picturesque islands best known for their beaches. In the past two months, 38 ships have been attacked and 10 hijacked, the International Maritime Bureau said. This continues despite a hefty naval presence, with an average of 20 warships per day cruising off Somalia’s coast.
Still, American officials said, it is not enough. “It’s 2.5 million square miles we’re dealing with,” said Lt. Matt Allen, a spokesman for United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain. “It’s a very large area. It’s a daunting task.”
The pirates seem to have shifted their hunt from the Gulf of Aden, where dozens of ships were attacked in 2008 but which is now heavily patrolled, to the southern waters near Seychelles. That is where a British couple taking the trip of a lifetime were recently hijacked in their sailboat. Their kidnappers have threatened to kill them unless a seven-figure ransom is paid.
Cash like this seems to be drawing more and more Somalis into the business. Piracy used to be dominated by two clans, the Saleban, based in Xarardheere, and the Majeerten, who brought hijacked ships back to a small beach town called Eyl. Now, according to witnesses in Somalia, many other clans are involved, even Bantus, a minority group best known as farmers.
It is not clear who seized the oil tanker, which was hijacked on Sunday, though the news was not released until Monday.
According to European naval officials, the ship is owned by a Greek company and was heading to New Orleans from Jidda, Saudi Arabia. Its crew included Greeks, Filipinos, Ukrainians and a Romanian.
Maritime officials said the ship was similar in size to the Sirius Star, a tanker hijacked last year that was ransomed for $3 million.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Confusion over 'release' of Greek ship
(AFP) – MOGADISHU —
Somali pirates holding a Greek cargo ship Friday accused its owners of constantly changing their minds on deals reached to free the vessel captured more than six months ago.
On Thursday, the pirates said they had freed the ship with its 24 Ukrainian sailors after receiving 3.7 million dollars, but the director of the Athens-based All Ocean Shipping company denied the report as a lie.
"The owners of Ariana are not dealing with us in good faith. They are changing their minds from time to time contrary to the agreements made with them," Abdu Farah, a member of the gang holding the ship, told AFP.
The shipping company's director Spyros Minas said no ransom was paid and if the MV Ariana had been freed "we would have been told by the captain."
He added that his company was ready for talks to free the ship and its crew.
"The pirates have demanded a lot of money. We are ready to negotiate but on the condition we have balanced mediators," he said.
Ukraine's foreign ministry also said it could not confirm that the ship had been freed, but a spokesman added that "all can change very quickly."
Hashi Ahmed, another pirate gang member, also said the ship owners keep changing goal posts.
"We thought the matter was over and everybody was happy when the deal was made, but the situation is changing every time because of the Ariana's owners who don't want to deal with us honestly," he told AFP.
The pirates said they were to take 3.5 million dollars of the total ransom and give Somali mediators the remaining amount.
The Maltese-flagged MV Ariana was seized north of Madagascar on May 2 while on its way to the Middle East from Brazil. It was carrying 10,000 tonnes of soya beans.
(AFP) – MOGADISHU —
Somali pirates holding a Greek cargo ship Friday accused its owners of constantly changing their minds on deals reached to free the vessel captured more than six months ago.
On Thursday, the pirates said they had freed the ship with its 24 Ukrainian sailors after receiving 3.7 million dollars, but the director of the Athens-based All Ocean Shipping company denied the report as a lie.
"The owners of Ariana are not dealing with us in good faith. They are changing their minds from time to time contrary to the agreements made with them," Abdu Farah, a member of the gang holding the ship, told AFP.
The shipping company's director Spyros Minas said no ransom was paid and if the MV Ariana had been freed "we would have been told by the captain."
He added that his company was ready for talks to free the ship and its crew.
"The pirates have demanded a lot of money. We are ready to negotiate but on the condition we have balanced mediators," he said.
Ukraine's foreign ministry also said it could not confirm that the ship had been freed, but a spokesman added that "all can change very quickly."
Hashi Ahmed, another pirate gang member, also said the ship owners keep changing goal posts.
"We thought the matter was over and everybody was happy when the deal was made, but the situation is changing every time because of the Ariana's owners who don't want to deal with us honestly," he told AFP.
The pirates said they were to take 3.5 million dollars of the total ransom and give Somali mediators the remaining amount.
The Maltese-flagged MV Ariana was seized north of Madagascar on May 2 while on its way to the Middle East from Brazil. It was carrying 10,000 tonnes of soya beans.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Live Piracy Report
Don't forget to consult The Int'l Maritime ABureau's Live Piracy Report. It displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in the last ten days.
Don't forget to consult The Int'l Maritime ABureau's Live Piracy Report. It displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in the last ten days.
Pirates free hijacked ship bound for Somali port
Mon Nov 23, 11:02 am ET
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A Somali businessman says a ship hijacked by pirates off East Africa two weeks ago has been released.
Ali Dheere, the chairman of a group of traders in Mogadishu, says the al-Mizan has arrived in Somalia's capital.
The Panama-flagged, United Arab Emirates-owned cargo ship was carrying electronics, food and other goods. The 18-member crew were all in good condition.
Dheere refused to say whether a ransom had been paid, but a self-proclaimed pirate named Abdi Nor tells The Associated Press that pirates did not demand a ransom since the ship was bound for Mogadishu and carried goods owned by Somalis.
The pirates asked for and received $15,000 for "expenses."
Mon Nov 23, 11:02 am ET
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A Somali businessman says a ship hijacked by pirates off East Africa two weeks ago has been released.
Ali Dheere, the chairman of a group of traders in Mogadishu, says the al-Mizan has arrived in Somalia's capital.
The Panama-flagged, United Arab Emirates-owned cargo ship was carrying electronics, food and other goods. The 18-member crew were all in good condition.
Dheere refused to say whether a ransom had been paid, but a self-proclaimed pirate named Abdi Nor tells The Associated Press that pirates did not demand a ransom since the ship was bound for Mogadishu and carried goods owned by Somalis.
The pirates asked for and received $15,000 for "expenses."
Pirates hijack Greek-owned bulk carrier off Yemen
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Pirates hijacked a Greek-owned bulk carrier on Thursday in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, a Kenyan maritime official said on Sunday, but Greek officials said the attack may have been unsuccessful.
The vessel was taken 36 nautical miles off the Yemeni port of Balhaf and news of the seizure only emerged on Saturday, said Andrew Mwangura, coordinator of the Kenya-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.
"Red Sea Spirit was taken by gunmen off the Yemeni coast last Thursday. She is flying the Panama flag," Mwangura said. "She is a Greek-owned bulk carrier."
However, a Greek merchant marine ministry spokesman said the managers of the ship, Sekur Holdings, did not confirm the incident. Sekur Holdings were not available for comment. More...
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Pirates hijacked a Greek-owned bulk carrier on Thursday in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, a Kenyan maritime official said on Sunday, but Greek officials said the attack may have been unsuccessful.
The vessel was taken 36 nautical miles off the Yemeni port of Balhaf and news of the seizure only emerged on Saturday, said Andrew Mwangura, coordinator of the Kenya-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.
"Red Sea Spirit was taken by gunmen off the Yemeni coast last Thursday. She is flying the Panama flag," Mwangura said. "She is a Greek-owned bulk carrier."
However, a Greek merchant marine ministry spokesman said the managers of the ship, Sekur Holdings, did not confirm the incident. Sekur Holdings were not available for comment. More...
Somali pirates get $3.3 million ransom, free 36 hostages
By Mohamed Olad Hassan and Daniel Woolls - Associated Press
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — As a Spanish warship looked on, a $3.3 million ransom was delivered by boat Tuesday and Somali pirates freed a Spanish trawler and its 36 crew members.
Spain's prime minister did little to deny paying off the hijackers — one reason the lucrative attacks are on the rise.
]
"The government did what it had to do," Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told a news conference in Madrid. "The important thing is that the sailors will be back with us. The first obligation of a country, of the government of a state, is to save the lives of its countrymen."
Somali pirates attacked two more ships Monday and still hold about a dozen ships with more than 200 crew, including a British couple who were taken from their 38-foot sailboat last month.
Ali Gab, a self-described pirate, told The Associated Press the hijackers of the Spanish tuna boat Alakrana were paid $3.3 million in ransom, delivered by boat as sailors aboard a nearby warship watched.
After being freed, the trawler steamed away under the protection of two Spanish warships. All crew members were reported to be in good health after more than six weeks in captivity.
In April 2008, the Spanish government reportedly paid a ransom of $1.2 million to win the release of another Spanish trawler seized by pirates off Somalia with 26 crew members on board.
That ordeal lasted a week. More...
By Mohamed Olad Hassan and Daniel Woolls - Associated Press
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — As a Spanish warship looked on, a $3.3 million ransom was delivered by boat Tuesday and Somali pirates freed a Spanish trawler and its 36 crew members.
Spain's prime minister did little to deny paying off the hijackers — one reason the lucrative attacks are on the rise.
]
"The government did what it had to do," Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told a news conference in Madrid. "The important thing is that the sailors will be back with us. The first obligation of a country, of the government of a state, is to save the lives of its countrymen."
Somali pirates attacked two more ships Monday and still hold about a dozen ships with more than 200 crew, including a British couple who were taken from their 38-foot sailboat last month.
Ali Gab, a self-described pirate, told The Associated Press the hijackers of the Spanish tuna boat Alakrana were paid $3.3 million in ransom, delivered by boat as sailors aboard a nearby warship watched.
After being freed, the trawler steamed away under the protection of two Spanish warships. All crew members were reported to be in good health after more than six weeks in captivity.
In April 2008, the Spanish government reportedly paid a ransom of $1.2 million to win the release of another Spanish trawler seized by pirates off Somalia with 26 crew members on board.
That ordeal lasted a week. More...
Nicolas Cage visits Kenyan jail to talk to pirates
(AP) - MOMBASA, Kenya — Film star Nicolas Cage has visited a Kenyan prison holding suspected Somali pirates awaiting trial to highlight the problem of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
(AP) - MOMBASA, Kenya — Film star Nicolas Cage has visited a Kenyan prison holding suspected Somali pirates awaiting trial to highlight the problem of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
Inmates danced for the movie star and shook his hand as he toured the Shimo La Tewa prison in the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa. The prison has become a model for other jails in the country because of the reform work of its chief warden, Wanini Kireri.
Cage, a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador on Drugs and Crime, told The Associated Press Television News on Tuesday that he wanted to meet with some of the suspected Somali pirates, hear their stories and understand what is fueling piracy off the Somali coast.
"Then I'm in a position where I can actually make some sense and talk about it when I go back to the States where I go talk to different U.N. councils and discuss the matter," Cage said.
Cage also gave out awards during his Tuesday visit to wardens in recognition of their outstanding work. He left Kenya Wednesday.
Somali pirates are currently holding around a dozen ships and more than 200 crew, and attacks have increased in recent weeks as seasonal rains subsided.
On Wednesday, pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama for the second time in seven months, though private guards on board the U.S.-flagged ship repelled the attack with gunfire and a high-decibel noise device.
An international flotilla of warships now patrols the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, but pirates continue to carry out attacks because of the millions of dollars that can be made from a successful hijacking.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Pirates Free Crew of Spanish Ship
Associated Press
MOGADISHU, Somalia -- Pirates freed 36 crew members from a Spanish trawler Tuesday after holding them for more than six weeks. A self-proclaimed pirate said the hostage-takers were paid $3.3 million in ransom, while Spain's prime minister said the country did what it had to do.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the tuna boat Alakrana "is sailing toward safer waters. All of its crew members are safe and sound." The release came despite the fact that two Somali pirates in Spanish custody soon will stand trial for kidnapping and related charges. More...
Associated Press
MOGADISHU, Somalia -- Pirates freed 36 crew members from a Spanish trawler Tuesday after holding them for more than six weeks. A self-proclaimed pirate said the hostage-takers were paid $3.3 million in ransom, while Spain's prime minister said the country did what it had to do.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the tuna boat Alakrana "is sailing toward safer waters. All of its crew members are safe and sound." The release came despite the fact that two Somali pirates in Spanish custody soon will stand trial for kidnapping and related charges. More...
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Somali Pirates Move Couple Onto LandBritish captives were taken off a hijacked ship as pirates reportedly debated on demanding a ransom or a prisoner exchange.November 1, 2009 - By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN and MOHAMMED IBRAHIM - International / Africa
British Couple Held Off Somali CoastNAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates said Thursday that they had moved a British couple seized from their sailboat last week to a container ship ...October 30, 2009 - By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN and MOHAMMED IBRAHIM - International / Africa
Europe Seizes Pirates Who May Have Helped Kidnap BritonsEuropean Union naval officials announced they had captured seven pirates who had attacked a fishing ship a day before the British couple ...October 29, 2009 - By JACK HEALY and MOHAMMED IBRAHIM - International / Africa
British Man Describes Kidnapping by Pirates - Readers' Comments ...why hasn't the UN done something about the pirates? is this not the sort of international problem they were created to handle? ...October 28, 2009 - Community.nytimes.com/comments/thelede Blog
Officials Fear Somali Pirates Kidnapped a British CoupleA couple sailing from the island nation of Seychelles vanished after a distress signal was picked up.October 28, 2009 - By JOHN F. BURNS - International / Africa
British Couple Held Off Somali CoastNAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates said Thursday that they had moved a British couple seized from their sailboat last week to a container ship ...October 30, 2009 - By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN and MOHAMMED IBRAHIM - International / Africa
Europe Seizes Pirates Who May Have Helped Kidnap BritonsEuropean Union naval officials announced they had captured seven pirates who had attacked a fishing ship a day before the British couple ...October 29, 2009 - By JACK HEALY and MOHAMMED IBRAHIM - International / Africa
British Man Describes Kidnapping by Pirates - Readers' Comments ...why hasn't the UN done something about the pirates? is this not the sort of international problem they were created to handle? ...October 28, 2009 - Community.nytimes.com/comments/thelede Blog
Officials Fear Somali Pirates Kidnapped a British CoupleA couple sailing from the island nation of Seychelles vanished after a distress signal was picked up.October 28, 2009 - By JOHN F. BURNS - International / Africa
Somali Pirates Seize Weapons Ship, Attack Tanker
MOGADISHU (Reuters)
Somali pirates have seized a United Arab Emirates-flagged cargo ship loaded with weapons bound for the anarchic Horn of Africa nation in contravention of a U.N. arms embargo, maritime experts said on Monday.
Also on Monday, the gunmen launched their longest range hijack attempt yet -- opening fire on a giant Hong Kong-flagged crude oil tanker 1,000 nautical miles east of Mogadishu.
Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme told Reuters he believed the weapons ship was using a fake name. He said it had been hijacked on Sunday and was now held near the northern Somali town of Garacad.
"She is one of the regular weapons carriers circumventing the U.N. arms embargo on Somalia," Mwangura said. Maritime sources say the craft is believed to be carrying light arms and ammunition, as well as rockets and rocket-propelled grenades.
"We understand the weapons belong to the Somali government," Farah, a pirate, told Reuters by satellite telephone. More...
MOGADISHU (Reuters)
Somali pirates have seized a United Arab Emirates-flagged cargo ship loaded with weapons bound for the anarchic Horn of Africa nation in contravention of a U.N. arms embargo, maritime experts said on Monday.
Also on Monday, the gunmen launched their longest range hijack attempt yet -- opening fire on a giant Hong Kong-flagged crude oil tanker 1,000 nautical miles east of Mogadishu.
Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme told Reuters he believed the weapons ship was using a fake name. He said it had been hijacked on Sunday and was now held near the northern Somali town of Garacad.
"She is one of the regular weapons carriers circumventing the U.N. arms embargo on Somalia," Mwangura said. Maritime sources say the craft is believed to be carrying light arms and ammunition, as well as rockets and rocket-propelled grenades.
"We understand the weapons belong to the Somali government," Farah, a pirate, told Reuters by satellite telephone. More...
Somalia: Pirates Attack Oil Tanker
AP: November 9, 2009
Somali pirates attacked an oil tanker and fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades on Monday farther out at sea than in any previous assault, suggesting that the pirates’ abilities were growing as they increased activity off East Africa. Pirates in two skiffs fired at the Hong Kong-flagged BW Lion about 1,000 nautical miles east of the Somali coast, the European Union Naval Force said. The tanker’s captain increased speed and took evasive maneuvers, avoiding the attack, the force said. No casualties were reported. Pirates have carried out increasingly bold attacks on vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden in hopes of capturing ships and crews and collecting ransom. They currently hold more than 190 hostages, including a British couple seized from their yacht last month.
AP: November 9, 2009
Somali pirates attacked an oil tanker and fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades on Monday farther out at sea than in any previous assault, suggesting that the pirates’ abilities were growing as they increased activity off East Africa. Pirates in two skiffs fired at the Hong Kong-flagged BW Lion about 1,000 nautical miles east of the Somali coast, the European Union Naval Force said. The tanker’s captain increased speed and took evasive maneuvers, avoiding the attack, the force said. No casualties were reported. Pirates have carried out increasingly bold attacks on vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden in hopes of capturing ships and crews and collecting ransom. They currently hold more than 190 hostages, including a British couple seized from their yacht last month.
Friday, October 30, 2009
France seeks Seychelles' help in trying suspected pirates
But the islands' officials say they don't have the resources to deal with potentially large numbers of suspected Somali pirates. More...
But the islands' officials say they don't have the resources to deal with potentially large numbers of suspected Somali pirates. More...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Seychelles captures 11 suspected pirates
10:53 PDT PARIS, France (AP) -- French soldiers successfully defended two fishing boats from capture by pirates in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, and 11 men suspected of involvement in the failed attack were pursued at sea and captured, officials said.
The chain of events illustrated the teamwork in the international community to crack down on piracy in the Indian Ocean, where pirates cruise the waters searching for boats to hijack for ransoms.
After French soldiers chased away the pirates, the coast guard of the Seychelles archipelago, south of where the attack took place, chased the assailants. The coast guard captured two boats — a small craft with eight men aboard and a larger ship carrying three that was the pirates' suspected mothership, said Jacqueline Sherriff, chief press officer for the maritime unit of NATO in Northwood, outside London.
It was not clear how many pirates had been involved in the attack, and whether any got away. The nationality of the suspects was not known, but Somali pirates are active in the Indian Ocean... more:
10:53 PDT PARIS, France (AP) -- French soldiers successfully defended two fishing boats from capture by pirates in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, and 11 men suspected of involvement in the failed attack were pursued at sea and captured, officials said.
The chain of events illustrated the teamwork in the international community to crack down on piracy in the Indian Ocean, where pirates cruise the waters searching for boats to hijack for ransoms.
After French soldiers chased away the pirates, the coast guard of the Seychelles archipelago, south of where the attack took place, chased the assailants. The coast guard captured two boats — a small craft with eight men aboard and a larger ship carrying three that was the pirates' suspected mothership, said Jacqueline Sherriff, chief press officer for the maritime unit of NATO in Northwood, outside London.
It was not clear how many pirates had been involved in the attack, and whether any got away. The nationality of the suspects was not known, but Somali pirates are active in the Indian Ocean... more:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Pirates Hijack Spanish Fishing Boat
MADRID -- Pirates hijacked a Spanish trawler with a 36-member crew Friday in the Indian Ocean, an official said.
The boat, called the Alakrana, sent out distress signals advising of a pirate attack and since then the company hasn't been able to communicate with Alakrana, said Echebastar Fleet, the company that owns the ship.
Two planes from Luxembourg, taking part in a European Union antipiracy flotilla, flew over the ship and saw armed people aboard, said Pilar Unzalu, the Basque region's fisheries and agriculture minister. The Alakrana is based in the Basque port of Bermeo.
The ship was 415 miles from the Seychelles islands, Mr. Unzalu said. Company executives were headed for the Spanish Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, Echebastar Fleet said.
It was the second attack in less than a month against the Alakrana. On Sept. 4, while operating in waters off the Seychelles islands, the vessel dodged an attack by taking evasive action.
In April 2008, a Basque tuna boat was hijacked by pirates off Somalia's coast and held for six days until a reported $1.2 million ransom was paid. Another Spanish trawler escaped a hijacking attempt in September 2008.
Spanish navy ships and a reconnaissance plane are also taking part in the EU antipiracy flotilla.
Spanish ship owners have been clamoring for the government to post marines on fishing vessels, as France does, but the government has said it can't do this under Spanish law.
Instead, the Defense Ministry gave companies permission last month to hire private security guards armed with high-powered rifles. The ministry had previously given the go ahead for private security guards armed with pistols. But this was soon seen as insufficient firepower against bandits sometimes armed with weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades.
Copyright © 2009 Associated Press
MADRID -- Pirates hijacked a Spanish trawler with a 36-member crew Friday in the Indian Ocean, an official said.
The boat, called the Alakrana, sent out distress signals advising of a pirate attack and since then the company hasn't been able to communicate with Alakrana, said Echebastar Fleet, the company that owns the ship.
Two planes from Luxembourg, taking part in a European Union antipiracy flotilla, flew over the ship and saw armed people aboard, said Pilar Unzalu, the Basque region's fisheries and agriculture minister. The Alakrana is based in the Basque port of Bermeo.
The ship was 415 miles from the Seychelles islands, Mr. Unzalu said. Company executives were headed for the Spanish Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, Echebastar Fleet said.
It was the second attack in less than a month against the Alakrana. On Sept. 4, while operating in waters off the Seychelles islands, the vessel dodged an attack by taking evasive action.
In April 2008, a Basque tuna boat was hijacked by pirates off Somalia's coast and held for six days until a reported $1.2 million ransom was paid. Another Spanish trawler escaped a hijacking attempt in September 2008.
Spanish navy ships and a reconnaissance plane are also taking part in the EU antipiracy flotilla.
Spanish ship owners have been clamoring for the government to post marines on fishing vessels, as France does, but the government has said it can't do this under Spanish law.
Instead, the Defense Ministry gave companies permission last month to hire private security guards armed with high-powered rifles. The ministry had previously given the go ahead for private security guards armed with pistols. But this was soon seen as insufficient firepower against bandits sometimes armed with weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades.
Copyright © 2009 Associated Press
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Somali Pirates Fire on U.S. Helicopter
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Somali pirates holding a hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia fired at a U.S. Navy helicopter as it made a surveillance flight over the vessel, the first such attack by pirates on an American military aircraft, the Navy said Thursday. More...
North Korean Ship Fights Off Somali Pirates
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Somali pirates tried but failed to hijack a North Korean cargo ship when crew members fought back with molotov cocktails and sped away, a maritime official said Tuesday. More...
Russia Says Ship and Crew Are Safe
By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ The Arctic Sea, missing since last month, was 300 miles off Cape Verde, the Russia Defense Ministry said. More...
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Somali pirates holding a hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia fired at a U.S. Navy helicopter as it made a surveillance flight over the vessel, the first such attack by pirates on an American military aircraft, the Navy said Thursday. More...
North Korean Ship Fights Off Somali Pirates
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Somali pirates tried but failed to hijack a North Korean cargo ship when crew members fought back with molotov cocktails and sped away, a maritime official said Tuesday. More...
Russia Says Ship and Crew Are Safe
By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ The Arctic Sea, missing since last month, was 300 miles off Cape Verde, the Russia Defense Ministry said. More...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Russia Says Ship and Crew Are Safe
By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ
The Arctic Sea, missing since last month, was 300 miles off Cape Verde, the Russia Defense Ministry said.
By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ
The Arctic Sea, missing since last month, was 300 miles off Cape Verde, the Russia Defense Ministry said.
Hostages Overcome Pirates on 2 Fishing Boats Off Somali Coast
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Egyptian fishermen used machetes and guns to take back their ships from captors who had demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Egyptian fishermen used machetes and guns to take back their ships from captors who had demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Somali Teenager Is Indicted for Piracy in Cargo-Ship Seizure: By CHAD BRAY:
NEW YORK -- A Somali teenager has been indicted on piracy and other charges in the hostage taking of the captain of an American-flagged cargo ship in April.
Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse faces 10 counts, including piracy, seizing a ship by force and hostage taking. The piracy charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
A lawyer for Mr. Muse didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment Tuesday.
The American-flagged container ship Maersk Alabama was hijacked by a group of pirates off the coast of Somalia in the Indian Ocean on April 8.
Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Muse was the first pirate to board the ship, and that he conducted himself as the leader of the group. The pirates later left the ship on a lifeboat and took its captain hostage, prosecutors said.
On April 12, Mr. Muse left the lifeboat and boarded the U.S.S. Bainbridge, a U.S. Navy missile destroyer that was by then shadowing the lifeboat, while the other pirates continued to hold hostage the captain, American Richard Phillips, prosecutors said. Mr. Muse demanded safe passage for the pirates and received medical attention. U.S. Navy snipers later killed the three remaining pirates on the lifeboat, freeing Capt. Phillips.
Mr. Muse was brought to the U.S. last month and charged.
NEW YORK -- A Somali teenager has been indicted on piracy and other charges in the hostage taking of the captain of an American-flagged cargo ship in April.
Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse faces 10 counts, including piracy, seizing a ship by force and hostage taking. The piracy charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
A lawyer for Mr. Muse didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment Tuesday.
The American-flagged container ship Maersk Alabama was hijacked by a group of pirates off the coast of Somalia in the Indian Ocean on April 8.
Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Muse was the first pirate to board the ship, and that he conducted himself as the leader of the group. The pirates later left the ship on a lifeboat and took its captain hostage, prosecutors said.
On April 12, Mr. Muse left the lifeboat and boarded the U.S.S. Bainbridge, a U.S. Navy missile destroyer that was by then shadowing the lifeboat, while the other pirates continued to hold hostage the captain, American Richard Phillips, prosecutors said. Mr. Muse demanded safe passage for the pirates and received medical attention. U.S. Navy snipers later killed the three remaining pirates on the lifeboat, freeing Capt. Phillips.
Mr. Muse was brought to the U.S. last month and charged.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
U.S. Navy Detains 17 Suspected Pirates: DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The U.S. Navy said 17 suspected pirates have been apprehended after an attack on an Egyptian ship in the Gulf of Aden.
The Navy said in a statement Thursday that Korean Destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great and the U.S. guided missile cruiser Gettysburg dispatched helicopters to aid Motor Vessel Amira after it came under attack.
A Gettysburg-based specialized boarding team also boarded the suspected pirate "mothership," a larger vessel which pirates use for logistical support.
The Navy said it brought the alleged pirates on board the Gettysburg for further questioning. Also confiscated were eight assault rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a rocket-propelled grenade.
The incident occurred Wednesday, about 75 miles south of Yemen's al-Mukalla port.
The Pirate Chronicles: For Somali Pirates, Worst Enemy May Be on Shore : by JEFFREY GETTLEMAN - Somalia's pirates are the targets not just of those they attack, but also of sheiks and elders who are fed up with their vices.
The Navy said in a statement Thursday that Korean Destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great and the U.S. guided missile cruiser Gettysburg dispatched helicopters to aid Motor Vessel Amira after it came under attack.
A Gettysburg-based specialized boarding team also boarded the suspected pirate "mothership," a larger vessel which pirates use for logistical support.
The Navy said it brought the alleged pirates on board the Gettysburg for further questioning. Also confiscated were eight assault rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a rocket-propelled grenade.
The incident occurred Wednesday, about 75 miles south of Yemen's al-Mukalla port.
The Pirate Chronicles: For Somali Pirates, Worst Enemy May Be on Shore : by JEFFREY GETTLEMAN - Somalia's pirates are the targets not just of those they attack, but also of sheiks and elders who are fed up with their vices.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Pirate attacks prompt a call to arm ships: by Rebecca Cole
Somali Pirates Seize German-Owned Ship: ASSOCIATED PRESS - NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Somali pirates hijacked a German cargo ship carrying 10 crew members in the Gulf of Aden, the latest seizure by high-seas bandits who are holding hundreds of merchant mariners hostage, officials said Wednesday.
The German-owned ship, the MV Victoria, was captured Tuesday afternoon 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Yemen, said Lt. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet. He had no information on the condition of the 10 Romanian crew members aboard the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged ship.
Koreas Unite in Piracy Rescue: SEOUL: A South Korean navy warship warned Somali pirates away from a North Korean freighter Monday by threatening to open fire, the South Korean military said.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the 4,500-ton-class warship sent a Lynx helicopter to assist the North Korean vessel after receiving a distress call that it was being chased by a pirate ship. The pirates gave up and fled after snipers on the helicopter prepared to fire warning shots.
The South Korean helicopter guided the North Korean ship to a safer area. The incident took place 23 miles south of the Yemeni port of Aden, according to South Korea. It was a rare instance of cooperation between the two Koreas. Relations have badly frayed since a conservative government in Seoul took power last year with a vow to get tough on the North over its nuclear program. Pyongyang has responded by cutting ties and halting key joint projects.
Pirates seize two European ships: Somali pirates hijacked a Greek and a Ukrainian ship, and a NATO warship briefly detained 19 pirates armed with explosives after foiling an attack on a Norwegian tanker in the Gulf of Aden.Pirates said they were taking the Ukrainian ship, hijacked in the Indian Ocean with a cargo that includes United Nations' vehicles, to the Somali coastal town of Harardhere."We have hijacked a ship carrying industrial equipment including white cars with the U.N. logo; our friends are on board it," a pirate who said his name was Hussein told Reuters news agency by telephone from Harardhere.Gunmen also seized a Greek-owned bulk carrier, the MT Ariana, flying a Maltese flag with a 24-member Ukrainian crew, Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Assistance Program told Reuters.
NATO thwarts hijack off Somalia: Associated Press.
Somali Pirates Seize German-Owned Ship: ASSOCIATED PRESS - NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Somali pirates hijacked a German cargo ship carrying 10 crew members in the Gulf of Aden, the latest seizure by high-seas bandits who are holding hundreds of merchant mariners hostage, officials said Wednesday.
The German-owned ship, the MV Victoria, was captured Tuesday afternoon 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Yemen, said Lt. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet. He had no information on the condition of the 10 Romanian crew members aboard the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged ship.
Koreas Unite in Piracy Rescue: SEOUL: A South Korean navy warship warned Somali pirates away from a North Korean freighter Monday by threatening to open fire, the South Korean military said.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the 4,500-ton-class warship sent a Lynx helicopter to assist the North Korean vessel after receiving a distress call that it was being chased by a pirate ship. The pirates gave up and fled after snipers on the helicopter prepared to fire warning shots.
The South Korean helicopter guided the North Korean ship to a safer area. The incident took place 23 miles south of the Yemeni port of Aden, according to South Korea. It was a rare instance of cooperation between the two Koreas. Relations have badly frayed since a conservative government in Seoul took power last year with a vow to get tough on the North over its nuclear program. Pyongyang has responded by cutting ties and halting key joint projects.
Pirates seize two European ships: Somali pirates hijacked a Greek and a Ukrainian ship, and a NATO warship briefly detained 19 pirates armed with explosives after foiling an attack on a Norwegian tanker in the Gulf of Aden.Pirates said they were taking the Ukrainian ship, hijacked in the Indian Ocean with a cargo that includes United Nations' vehicles, to the Somali coastal town of Harardhere."We have hijacked a ship carrying industrial equipment including white cars with the U.N. logo; our friends are on board it," a pirate who said his name was Hussein told Reuters news agency by telephone from Harardhere.Gunmen also seized a Greek-owned bulk carrier, the MT Ariana, flying a Maltese flag with a 24-member Ukrainian crew, Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Assistance Program told Reuters.
NATO thwarts hijack off Somalia: Associated Press.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Captain once held by pirates urges military protection, armed crews: by Rebecca Cole - The freed captain of a merchant ship attacked by pirates near Somalia last month called Thursday for military protection and armed crew members to thwart attacks in dangerous waters.Capt.
Richard Phillips, skipper of the Maersk Alabama, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that it was the "responsibility of the U.S. government" to protect any ship flying an American flag, through military escorts or onboard squads of highly trained security forces.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Piracy Suspects Are Held in Foiled Attack on a Cruise Ship: By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - Seychelles took custody of nine piracy suspects on Tuesday, accusing them of trying to hijack a cruise liner carrying 1,000 tourists.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Yemin Coast guard said to free tanker: The coast guard of Yemen has freed a hijacked Yemeni oil tanker and arrested 11 Somali pirates, the first time the country has successfully retaken a seized vessel, a security official said.The coast guard exchanged gunfire with the pirates and took control of the oil tanker Qana on Sunday, the official said.The vessel had been hijacked earlier in the day while between the two southern Yemeni ports of Mukalla and Aden.The security official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Recent Pirate Attacks:
Incident Details:
(25.04.2009 : 0600 LT : Posn: 14:00.9N – 051:31.7E): Gulf of Aden: Two small speed boats with five persons armed with guns approached a general cargo ship underway. When the speed boats were about three cables away from the vessel they opened fire using automatic guns. Master enforced anti piracy measures and prevented the boarding. View
(25.04.2009 : 0335 LT: Posn: 14:01N – 051:34E): Gulf of Aden: Pirates in skiffs armed with guns attacked and hijacked a bulk carrier underway. It is believed the pirates are in control of the vessel and have taken the crew hostage. View
(25.04.2009 : 0600 LT : Posn: 14:00.9N – 051:31.7E): Gulf of Aden: Two small speed boats with five persons armed with guns approached a general cargo ship underway. When the speed boats were about three cables away from the vessel they opened fire using automatic guns. Master enforced anti piracy measures and prevented the boarding. View
(25.04.2009 : 0335 LT: Posn: 14:01N – 051:34E): Gulf of Aden: Pirates in skiffs armed with guns attacked and hijacked a bulk carrier underway. It is believed the pirates are in control of the vessel and have taken the crew hostage. View
10 Things You Didn't Know About Somali Pirates: In the 15 years since armed Somali fishermen began forcing their way onto commercial ships, pirates have turned East Africa's seas into the world's most dangerous waters. In 2008 alone, Somalia's lawless seamen captured more than 40 large vessels in the Gulf of Aden, a shortcut between Asia and Europe that's vital to the global economy. Wiping out today's pirates won't be easy; they're smarter, better organized, and, frankly, better loved abroad than the swashbucklers of yesteryear. In a special dispatch from Mombasa, Kenya, Mental Floss correspondent David Axe explains.
1. They Have a Robin Hood Complex...
Real Pirates Have Taken the 'Ho Ho' Out of 'Yo Ho Ho' for Cap'n Slappy: by STEPHANIE SIMON -Mark Summers has a beef with the pirates who are seizing cargo ships and taking hostages off the coast of Somalia: They're ruining his bad name.
For years, Mr. Summers has been donning frock coats and plumed hats and rakish red scarves and tucking blunderbusses into his belt to transform himself into Cap'n Slappy. That's Pirate Capt. Slappy to you, mate.
1. They Have a Robin Hood Complex...
Real Pirates Have Taken the 'Ho Ho' Out of 'Yo Ho Ho' for Cap'n Slappy: by STEPHANIE SIMON -Mark Summers has a beef with the pirates who are seizing cargo ships and taking hostages off the coast of Somalia: They're ruining his bad name.
For years, Mr. Summers has been donning frock coats and plumed hats and rakish red scarves and tucking blunderbusses into his belt to transform himself into Cap'n Slappy. That's Pirate Capt. Slappy to you, mate.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Italian Cruise Ship Fires on Somali Pirates: ROME -- An Italian cruise ship with 1,500 people on board fended off a pirate attack far off the coast of Somalia when its Israeli private-security forces exchanged fire with the bandits and drove them away, the commander said Sunday.
Cmdr. Ciro Pinto told Italian state radio that six men in a small white boat approached the Msc Melody and opened fire Saturday night, but retreated after the Israeli security officers aboard the cruise ship returned shots.
"It felt like we were in war," Cmdr. Pinto said.
Live Piracy Report: (03:10.8N - 105:28.5E) Off Pulau Mangkai, South China Sea: Five pirates armed with long knives in a boat boarded a container ship underway. They attacked the master and stole ship's cash and escaped. No injuries to crew.
Cmdr. Ciro Pinto told Italian state radio that six men in a small white boat approached the Msc Melody and opened fire Saturday night, but retreated after the Israeli security officers aboard the cruise ship returned shots.
"It felt like we were in war," Cmdr. Pinto said.
Live Piracy Report: (03:10.8N - 105:28.5E) Off Pulau Mangkai, South China Sea: Five pirates armed with long knives in a boat boarded a container ship underway. They attacked the master and stole ship's cash and escaped. No injuries to crew.
U.S. Navy Helps Stranded Tanker: MANILA --Naval vessels from the United States, Germany and China have come to the aid to a Philippine chemical tanker stranded without fuel in waters near Somalia days after it was freed by pirates, an official said Saturday.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The West Turns to Kenya as Piracy Criminal Court: by JEFFREY GETTLEMAN - Piracy suspects are being sent to Mombasa, where officials are eager to mete out justice.
In the shadow of Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold that truly belongs to the era of slave raiders and pirate ships, is the office of Kenya’s premier pirate lawyer...
Muhammad on the High Seas: By Stephen Prothero - The late spate of piracy off the coast of Somalia has been analyzed so far almost entirely in political and economic terms: Somalia is lawless and impoverished, so Somali men are taking world trade for a ride. Religion comes up in this analysis only in terms of fears about potential ties between Somali pirates and Islamist groups such as al Qaeda and al Shabab.
Bombing Somalia is a dud: By Micah Zenko - Some propose airstrikes against Somali pirates, but past attacks in the region have been ineffective.
Buoyed by the remarkable marksmanship of U.S. Navy SEALs against Somali pirates, a debate has emerged about the wisdom of bombing the pirates' support infrastructure onshore in Somalia. Given the painful memory of 18 U.S. soldiers killed in 1993 in Mogadishu in the "Black Hawk Down" battle, deploying U.S. ground forces in Somalia is not seriously being considered, making airstrikes the best military option.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Live Piracy Map 2009View full official reports of each piracy incident reported to the IMB.
Somali PM: Anti-pirate patrols not working:
Somalia's prime minister told CNN Thursday that the international naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden are not solving the problem of piracy in the region.Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke pointed to the recent increase in pirate attacks as evidence, and called for the U.N. arms embargo on Somalia to be lifted so the government can fight back against the pirates and local militant Islamist groups.
Somalia's prime minister told CNN Thursday that the international naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden are not solving the problem of piracy in the region.Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke pointed to the recent increase in pirate attacks as evidence, and called for the U.N. arms embargo on Somalia to be lifted so the government can fight back against the pirates and local militant Islamist groups.
Hedging Bets on the High Seas:
As the latest ship seizures off the coast of Somalia demonstrate, piracy has not let up following the Apr. 12 rescue of the Maersk Alabama's captain—despite the deaths of three of the pirates holding the cargo ship captive.
As the latest ship seizures off the coast of Somalia demonstrate, piracy has not let up following the Apr. 12 rescue of the Maersk Alabama's captain—despite the deaths of three of the pirates holding the cargo ship captive.
Piracy attacks almost doubled in 2009 first quarter:A dramatic increase in activity by Somali pirates led to a near doubling in the number of ships attacked during the year’s first quarter compared with the same period in 2008, according to a report issued today by the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB). View article
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
FAVORITE PIRATE NEWS SO FAR:
Dolphins Reported to Foil Pirate Attack By ROBERT MacKEY - China's official news agency Xinhua reports that "thousands of dolphins" prevented an attack on Chinese ships by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden....
About New York: When the City Held Pirates in High Regard: By JIM DWYER - In the 17th century, piracy was a leading economic development tool in the city's competition with the ports of Boston and Philadelphia.
Op-Ed Contributor: Pirates and the Law: By ROBERT BECKMAN and TOMMY KOH - The United States should take the lead in the fight against Somali pirates. It would have the law and world public opinion on its side.
Pirate Suspect, Now in New York, Charged as Adult: By SHARON OTTERMAN - A Somali teenager arrives to face what are believed to be the first piracy charges in the U.S. in decades.
Monday, April 20, 2009
U.N.: Somali Pirates Release Lebanese Ship:
NAIROBI, Kenya -- Somali pirates released a Lebanese-owned cargo ship seized last week as it headed to pick up food aid for Africa, a United Nations spokesman said Monday.
The Togo-flagged MV Sea Horse was released Friday, U.N. World Food Program spokesman Peter Smerdon said, citing the ship's operators. He had no more details and it wasn't known if a ransom was paid.
The release was a rare piece of good news about the pirate crisis plaguing the Horn of Africa. Pirates still hold at least 17 other ships and around 300 crew. Most ships are held for multimillion-dollar ransoms.
NAIROBI, Kenya -- Somali pirates released a Lebanese-owned cargo ship seized last week as it headed to pick up food aid for Africa, a United Nations spokesman said Monday.
The Togo-flagged MV Sea Horse was released Friday, U.N. World Food Program spokesman Peter Smerdon said, citing the ship's operators. He had no more details and it wasn't known if a ransom was paid.
The release was a rare piece of good news about the pirate crisis plaguing the Horn of Africa. Pirates still hold at least 17 other ships and around 300 crew. Most ships are held for multimillion-dollar ransoms.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Latest Adventure for Pirate: Capturing Courtroom Buzz - By BENJAMIN WEISER: The Somali man who surrendered during the rescue of an American cargo ship captain may be tried in New York, and legal experts debated the challenges of the case.
Ron Paul has a solution to the pirate problem - By Johanna Neuman: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ticket19-2009apr19,0,921107.story
A long line of pirate hunters By Jerry Hirsch: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-hirsch17-2009apr17,0,1060250.story
OPINION April 17, 2009 Editorial: Fighting Piracy in Somalia Pirates can't be allowed to roam the seas unchallenged. But a solution won't come through military means alone.
Pirates seize Belgian ship; NATO frees 20 hostages Associated Press: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pirates19-2009apr19,0,3926578.story
11 Pirates Seized by French Navy By SHARON OTTERMAN and MARK McDONALD French forces detained 11 suspected pirates during an assault on what they described as a pirate "mother ship" in the Indian Ocean.
The Lede: Dolphins Reported to Foil Pirate Attack
By ROBERT MacKEY - China's official news agency Xinhua reports that "thousands of dolphins" prevented an attack on Chinese ships by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
By ROBERT MacKEY - China's official news agency Xinhua reports that "thousands of dolphins" prevented an attack on Chinese ships by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
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