20.10.2009
Source:
Pirates hijacked Chinese cargo ship in Indian Ocean on Monday, says the message at EU Navy website.
The assault happened at local noontime. Chinese cargo vessel was hijacked about 550 marine miles northeast off Seychelles coast and 700 marine miles east Somali.
Upon receiving information about the incident, EU Navy started the investigation, says the message.
EU Navy website do not cover other details.
EU naval operation
Atalanta started in Dec 2008. It was initially reported that the operation would last 12 months. In June 2009 there was a decision to prolong operation on one year.
Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Holland and Sweden take part in EU anti-piracy operation. Norway, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Finland have previously declared their participation.
Russian Navy ships are patrolling and escorting merchant vessels in the region as well.
Authorities of Somali ceased to exist as a united state as early as 1991 can not settle the piracy matter. As for UN information, over 120 pirate assaults on merchant vessels were recorded near Horn of Africa in 2008.
Despite efforts of international community, Somali pirates continue attacking ships in the Gulf of Aden. Nosing for loot, they sail in Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea in increasing frequency, say experts. Since the beginning of 2009 Somali pirates attacked over 200 vessels.
