Pirates Take Another Vessel

Somali pirates are holding another vessel hijacked within the designated safe zone of the Gulf of Aden, according to the European Union’s naval force.

The 23 crew members of the Panama-flagged Suez are from Egypt, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.

The vessel, which was loaded with cement bags, was travelling in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor when it was attacked. This designated safe zone is patrolled by the EU’s naval force.

Pirates in three skiffs armed with automatic weapons opened fire on the ship. The ship's crew called for assistance, but by the time a naval helicopter arrived, the pirates had seized control.

Pirates are currently holding 18 ships and 379 hostages, according to the International Maritime Bureau.