Attempted Pirate Hijacks Thwarted
Somali pirates remain active despite monsoon conditions in their area of operation, with reports of two unsuccessful hijack attempts in recent days.
The first ship to be hit was the 1999-built, 151,681 dwt tanker Susangird , which according to the Lloyds List Intelligence database is associated with National Iranian Tanker Company .
NITC deputy head for technical affairs Jamal Miahi said that 10 pirates in two small boats attacked the tanker at 1930 hrs local time last Thursday, at a location in the relatively sheltered Bab al-Mandeb strait.
However, the crew were able to repel the attack, with the help of a military helicopter of unspecified nationality. The vessel, laden with a consignment of crude oil bound for Spain, was soon able to resume its course to its destination, Mr Miahi added.
The following day saw an approach to 2005-built, 29,006 dwt Peonia , while the combination tanker was in the Red Sea. A Lloyds List Intelligence correspondent states that the vessel made evasive manoeuvres and continued on its voyage.
Peonia is associated with Motia Compagnia di Navigazione , based in Mestre in Italy. No injuries or damage occurred.
Meanwhile, a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime official has revealed that outside donors have provided a total of $9.3m to Kenya and the Seychelles to assist efforts to prosecute Somali piracy suspects and to imprison them where they are found guilty.
The cost of mounting prosecutions has been a bone of contention between these two countries and the first world, which is keen to see the problem handled by jurisdictions in the region itself.
The UNODCs Alan Cole told Associated Press that the cash would cover the costs of bringing witnesses from around the world for piracy trials, as well as helping to equip police and to upgrade courts and prisons. Donors include the European Union, the UN, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the US.
Source : intermanager