Somali pirates seem to use Asian Glory as mother ship

01.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Asian Glory (dwfisher.com)

Somali pirates took automobile carrier Asian Glory hijacked on Jan 2 to the ocean probably to use it as a mother ship; there are 10 Ukrainian crewmen on board, informs Sunday Maritime Bulletin referring to coalition force in the Gulf of Aden.

Asian Glory became the second ship captured by Somali pirates in 2010. On Jan 1 Indonesian chemical tanker Pramoni flying Singaporean flag was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden.

Asian Glory operated by London's Zodiac Maritime Agencies Ltd. was sailed by Bulgarian crew. Pirates attacked the ship approx 600 nautical miles (1,100 km) east Somali coast, i.e. 900 nautical miles (about 1,600 km) off Seychelles.

Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously confirmed the information of 10 Ukrainian citizens on board hijacked vessel.

In December Somali pirates managed to capture chemical tanker St James Park belonging to London company. On board the ship are three Russians, two Ukrainians, one Georgian, five Bulgarians, three Filipinos, two Romanians, one Pole, six Indians and three Turks.

Somalia can't find the answer to the problem of piracy since this country ceased to exist as united state in 1991 with falling of Siad Barre dictatorship governed the country since late 60-ies. Currently, international community recognizes Federal Government Somalia as the only lawful authority in the country; however, the named government controls only a part of capital city, Mogadishu.

The rest parts of Somalia are either under control of unrecognized state formations or self-governed territories which leaders have different and sometimes even contrary views on integration under reign of Mogadishu. For instance, southern and northwest regions are controlled by local tribes and radical islamic movements; since 1991 the northwest is occupied by unrecognized Republic of Somaliland.