Somali Pirates Hijack North Korean-Flagged Ship

VLADIVOSTOK. February 4. VOSTOK-MEDIA – Somali pirates seized a North Korean-flagged vessel Rim Wednesday in the Gulf of Aden, the European Unions anti-piracy mission off Somalia reports.

The EU Naval Force spokesman said it’s not yet clear how many crew members on board the ship and where they come from.

It is also not clear what cargo the vessel was carrying. The cargo is owned by Yemen-based White Sea Shipping. A U.S. Navy ship and helicopter, which at the time the accident were nearby, confirmed the hijacking, Vesti news channel reports.

The North-Korean-flagged vessel was reportedly outside the Gulf of Aden safety corridor, which was designated by the anti-piracy coalition. According to International Maritime Bureau, last year Somali pirates attempted 410 attacks, seized 47 vessels. Almost 800 crewmen were taken hostages. 178 attacks were attempted off Somali coast.

This attack comes two weeks after Somali pirates seized Greek-owned vessel. The ship was released after its owner paid a ransom amounted to an estimated $5 to $7 million.