Liz McCarthy
Thursday, September 04, 2008
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SOMALI pirates have struck again, last night hijacking an Egyptian ship in the Gulf of Aden, just a day after seizing a yacht with two French nationals onboard. Details of the Egyptian vessel are currently unknown, but reports suggest the vessel is being taken by the armed gangs to a remote coastal base near the village of Eyl, along with the French yacht.
Hassan Muse Alore, the minister for minerals in northern Somalia’s Puntland region announced the latest capture. He is visiting the area to follow up on reports that an Iranian bulk carrier, hijacked by the gangs, has arms onboard.
It is thought that the latest attack brings the total number of vessels being held hostage by pirates in the area to 10.
The heavily armed gangs operating in the Gulf of Aden have captured at least 30 vessels so far this year.
The French navy, who have military forces based in neighbouring Dijibouti, are willing to intervene, and have 12 vessels patrolling in the area to deter piracy. However, the safety of the captives is their biggest priority said French navy spokesman Commander Christophe Prazuck.
“Today we have to remain discreet,” he said “in order to ensure the safety of our fellow countrymen.”
The pirates are demanding a ransom of more than $9m for the release of four vessels, including two MISC tankers captured in August.
Puntland’s minister for fisheries and marine resources Ahmed Saed Ow-Nur has said that the country has no power to control the growing number of pirates.
“Even some of the Puntland police are involved in piracy, because they can make a hell of a lot of money,” he said.
Source: Lloyd's List, Sept 04, 2008