Turkey Ship Hijacked off Somalia Coast

World | July 8, 2009, Wednesday // 13:35|  views

Istanbul-based Horizon Shipping said pirates in speed boats had surrounded the Horizon I vessel in the Gulf of Aden at about 5.30 GMT. Photo by BGNES

A Turkish cargo ship with 23 crew on board has been seized Wednesday by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Istanbul-based Horizon Shipping said pirates in speed boats had surrounded the Horizon I vessel in the Gulf of Aden at about 5.30 GMT.

Three attackers managed to board the tanker, which was heading from Saudi Arabia to Jordan, the company said.

The pirates have not yet issued any demands, or contacted the firm.

Maritime officials believe pirates in Somalia are still holding about 10 ships for ransom.

The country has been without a functioning central government since 1991, allowing pirates to operate almost uninhibited in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Earlier in June EU ministers agreed to extend an anti-piracy operation - known as Atalanta - off the Horn of Africa until the end of 2010.

 

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!


Tags: turkey, ship, Somalia, pirates, Gulf of Aden

Back  

» Related Articles:

Search

Search