23.08.2008
Source:
Pirates have seized a vessel in Somalia with two Russian nationals among crewmembers, the International Maritime Bureau said Friday.
"As far as I know, there are two Russians on board, but I do not know their ranks," IMB chief Pottengal Mukundan said. "I also know there are Filipinos among the crew."
He said talks were under way between the ship owner and the pirates. "They will take some time," Mukundan added, without specifying the owner.
Pirates are increasingly active in the waters off Somalia, which has no central government and no navy to police its coastline. The International Maritime Bureau said more than 30 incidents of piracy were registered in the region in 2007. According to UN data, 26 attacks have been committed so far this year.
