Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Greek cargo ship seized by Somali pirates, Officials: 11 Suspected Pirates Headed For U.S


Officials: 11 Suspected Pirates Headed For U.S


A Greek cargo ship, with 21 Filippinos on board as crew members, was hijacked by Somali pirates on Wednesday, while sailing near the Gulf of Aden, Greek authorities announced.Greek officials confirmed that Panama-flagged "Voc Daisy" was seized at a distance of about 190 nautical miles southeast off Oman, while was sailing to Morocco from the United Arab Emirates.The ship, which is owned by the Greek shipping company Samartzis Maritime Enterprises was heading towards the sea area where an international task force has stepped up patrols the past two years, when it came under attack by Somali pirates armed with AK-47s and a rocket launcher. Representatives of the company have not released information on the cargo of the ship.
According to Greek authorities all the crew members of "Voc Daisy" are in fine health, while the ship is heading towards Somalia.Despite international efforts to address the piracy plague that has hit the area off Somalia the past few years, there are still incidents occurring.
Last Sunday pirates seized three shipping boats from Thailand with a total 77 crew- members at a distance of 1,200 nautical miles east of Somali coasts.

Source: Xinhua

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