Chemical tanker ‘MV Royal Grace’ unexpectedly sails out of pirate’s anchorage, then assisted by EUNAVFOR warship. The pirates had held the vessel after attacking it over a year earlier, on 2 March 2012 in the Gulf of Oman. Early in the morning of 8, March 2013, ESPS Mendez Nunez was conducting counter-piracy patrols 20
Read moreThe maritime industry has recently seen a decrease in Somali piracy, but many pirates have turned to a new criminal activity: protecting illegal fishing boats off the Somali coast. The Associated Press reported that many pirates in the country now “provide ‘security’ for ships illegally plundering Somalia’s fish stocks – the same scourge that
Read moreSomali pirates who have been holding a hijacked ship for nearly two years killed a Syrian hostage crew member and wounded another to protest delayed ransom payment, a pirate leader said. This is believed to be the first time Somali pirates have killed a hostage because of a delay in ransom. Hassan Abdi, a
Read moreHijacked cargo ship, MV Orna, has finally been released by Somali pirates after being held in captivity for almost two years. Unfortunately, six crewmembers are reportedly still being held hostage. A pirate commander stated that a $600,000 ransom was paid on Friday in order to free the ship. The six hostages are being held
Read more
