News

17-02-2010

Ship Reported to be American Draws Fire and Worsens Relations with Somalian Pirates

Ecoterra - (NAIROBI, Kenya) - Local observers reported from the Indian Ocean pirate lair of Garacad at the North-Eastern Somali coast, that between Monday and Tuesday, a naval vessel entered between the holding positions of the sea-jacked ships MV St. JAMES PARK and a neighbouring vessel also held hostage.

The incident caused the pirates opened fire from both vessels against the navy ship, which was presumed to be a U.S. ship.

Observers speak of nearly 70 larger caliber shots fired from both hostage ships, according to Ecoterra.

Reportedly no fire was returned from the naval vessel, which then backed off.

Ecoterra says because of this incident, the MV St. JAMES PARK was commandeered in the following hours, away from Garacad, and is now held off Kulub, a location with very difficult access.

Background:

According to ships-info.info, the chemical tanker St. James Park, sailing under the British flag, was hijacked by Somali pirates.

The ship was carrying hazardous cargo from a port in Spain to Thailand. On board there is a 26-member crew, including nationals of Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey.

"The Pirates have captured the ship in the Gulf of Aden and sailed to Somalia. In the capture of the ship no one was injured and no weapon was used. Seamen succeeded in connecting with their families immediately after the ship docked in the base of pirates. The pirates' group abducted the vessel in the Gulf of Aden, and although there was a French Fregata nearby, the pirates managed to escape."

It is reported that the ship was loaded with provisions and water in Spain, and was prepared to be at sea 20 more days without recharging. Experts say this is optimistic for sailors and their medical conditions...