10 ships, 179 crew held by Somali pirates

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Jan 2009

The International Maritime Bureau says 166 crew on nine hijacked ships are still being held off the coast of Somalia, not including the German tanker seized Thursday, the MV Longchamp and its 13-man crew. The other ships include:
Ukrainian cargo ship MV Faina, seized in September. The pirates had originally asked for $20 million for the ship, which is laden with 33 tanks and other heavy weapons.
Turkish tanker Karagol, seized in November carrying 4,500 tons of chemicals and 14 Turkish personnel.
Chinese fishing vessel Tianyu No. 8, seized in mid-November.
Bulk carrier African Sanderling and its 21 Filipino crewmen, seized in October.
Egyptian cargo ship Blue Star with 28 crew, seized in January.

Source: Associated Press