Sudden Surge of Pirate Attacks on Ships off Tanzania, Somalia, Nigeria and Thailand Capturing Crews, Stealing Cargo and Entire Ships
There seems to be an increase in pirate attacks off Africa and Thailand, according to the International Chamber of Commerce.
On April 18 near Thailand, about six pirates in a small boat attacked a fishing boat and hijacked it. All eight crew were taken hostage and landed at Le - La Island. Â Pirates stole ship’s equipment, properties and abandoned the boat at Yanud Port, Tha - Phae District, Satun Province. Â Police located the fishing boat and returned it to the owners in Malaysia. No one was injured.
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On April 30 Near Salaam, Tanzania, A black hull boat with five pirates attempted to board a general cargo ship drifting 27 miles ENE of the port. Â Alarm raised and crew mustered. Pirates aborted attempt and moved in SW direction towards another vessel drifting 7.5 nm away. All vessels in the area warned via VHF radio.
On May 5, A group of Somali pirates armed with guns boarded a general cargo ship underway. They hijacked the ship and took it to Hobiyo anchorage. Negotiations with the pirates are going on.Â
Also on May 5 off Nigeria armed pirates in four boats attacked a FPSO and tried to board it via the anchor chain. There were eight security personnel on the FPSO. The pirates were successful in their attempt. Five persons from the FPSO kidnapped.