Somalia pirates hijack ship and release another after ransom

By Patrick Beja and Agencies

Somalia pirates have hijacked yet another ship, and released another after receiving ransom.

Officials said the Japanese cargo ship was carrying 23 sailors, including five South Koreans when it was attacked at the weekend.

The latest attack came as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula warned that insurance costs for ships plying Eastern African ports had risen by between 30 and 40 per cent due to threats of piracy.

The minister said there was need to start a regional anti-piracy campaign.

"Piracy attacks have reached a crisis level. The cost of insurance will raise the price of commodities," Mr Wetangula warned.

Reports said South Korea was considering dispatching a naval ship to protect its vessels and sailors.

The pirates released a chemical tanker, the Stolt Valor, after receiving a $1.1 million ransom (Sh78 million) on Saturday.

Mr Andrew Mwangura, director of the East African Seafarers’ Assistance Programme, said two ships could be released before the end of the month.

There have been 81 attacks this year in the African waters, with 32 ships hijacked. Eleven vessels remain in the hands of pirates.

Address security threats

Among them is the Ukrainian one with military ware. The fate of MV Faina and the crew is still unknown.

The vessel was heading to a Kenyan port with a cargo of 33 battle tanks and weapons when pirates seized it last month. It is now anchored off Somalia’s coast.

Relatives of the Ukrainian crewmembers said they had raised money for ransom. Two Russians, a Latvian and 17 Ukrainians are on board.

Speaking in Mombasa, Wetangula said the Government would host a maritime conference in Mombasa next month to address security threats to shipping.

"Countries will meet and discuss safety of the shipping route through Somalia," he said. He spoke as ships transiting the Somali waters continue to fall in the hands of pirates.