Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Danish Ship Escapes Hijacking Attempt



Good news in the War on Piracy: a Danish cargo ship was able to evade capture after receiving help from a Russian warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden. Via the Telegraph:
A Russian warship came to the rescue of the Danish vessel after pirates fired rocket-propelled grenades at it during a 30 minute chase on the high seas off Somalia.

At least six pirates in an open skiff tried to seize the Danish-owned and Dutch-managed cargo ship, which has not been named, as it steamed through the Gulf of Aden.

Its captain took evasive action and called for help from the coalition of navies now patrolling Somali waters in a bid to curb piracy.

The Russian navy sent a warship and a helicopter, which swooped over the pirates' speedboat, forcing them to call off the assault, said Noel Choong of the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting centre in Kuala Lumpur.

"The pirates chased the vessel for about half an hour, they fired two rocket-propelled grenades, but they pulled away when the Russians arrived," he said.

This is more evidence that the increased naval patrols near the coast of Somalia are having a positive effect. So far this year there have been 11 hijacking attempts already, but only two have been successful.

Thank God that the pirates were not able to carry out their evil plans this time. Please continue to pray for the safe release of the hostages currently being held on land and sea in Somalia, and for the safety of ships passing through this dangerous area.

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