Tag Archives: pirates
Pirates Go on Rampage in the Bay of Bengal
Pirates in the Bay of Bengal are believed to have killed as many as 31 fishermen in a brazen attack on three trawlers on March 25. According to reports, the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard launched a joint operation on … Continue reading
Six People Taken from Oil Vessel off Nigeria coast
Gunmen attacked a vessel off the coast of Nigeria’s oil-rich southern delta, kidnapping six foreigners in an area that has become increasingly dangerous for oil companies and shippers, a police official said Wednesday. Three Ukrainians, two Indians and a Russian were … Continue reading
Pirates Seize French Tanker Off Ivory Coast
Suspected Nigerian pirates have hijacked a French-owned Luxembourg-flagged tanker along with its 17-member crew off Ivory Coast, Ivorian officials and the International Maritime Bureau said on Monday. The Gulf of Guinea area is second only to the waters off Somalia for piracy and there has … Continue reading
Somalia: Puntland Troops Rescue Hostages on Hijacked Ship
In a siege that lasted nearly two weeks, forces of Somalia’s semiautonomous Puntland region raided a hijacked ship Sunday and safely rescued 22 hostages who had been held captive for nearly three years, authorities said. The Puntland government said their forces captured the … Continue reading
Flotillas May Offer Bigger “Target” for Pirates
Yachtsmen who organize convoys for safety before sailing through waters adjacent to Somalia are more likely to attract a pirate attack than those voyaging solo, says NATO maritime experts. The NATO Shipping Centre is concerned that a reduction in revenue sources … Continue reading
Piracy Attacks Drop to Zero for First Full Month in Five Years
There has been no successful hijack since June 19, when a fishing dhow was seized, and no ship has been fired upon or a boarding attempted since June 26, when a Maltese-flagged cargo ship was attacked, according to data from … Continue reading
American Cruisers Assaulted Near Bocas del Toro
A pair of armed and dangerous assailants brutally attacked an American couple last night aboard their sailboat anchored in the “South Anchorage” of the Bocas Marina, next to Isla Colon in the province of Bocas del Toro in the Republic … Continue reading
Chandlers Return to Sailing after Pirate Horror
The British couple held hostage by Somali pirates for more than a year are planning to continue their sailing adventures. Rachel and Paul Chandler said they had the support of family and friends who raised half a million pounds of … Continue reading
Kidnapped Cruising Sailors Free After 20 Months in Captivity
They’re FREE! Cruisers around the world will be jubilant to learn that Deborah Calitz and Bruno Pelizzari, sailors kidnapped by Somali pirates almost two years ago, have been freed! This was announced by Somalia’s Defence Minister this week. The couple, … Continue reading
EU Naval Force Delivers Blow Against Somali Pirates On Shoreline
For the first time in the long, sad, tragic story of Somali piracy which has virtually stopped all cruising sailors from entering the once popular Gulf of Aden route to the Med, the EU Naval Force last month made a … Continue reading
Pirate Attacks Up in West Africa and Indonesia
While piracy in some areas is down, it is disheartening to know that the threat of piracy has become a problem over more widespread of an area. One hundred and two incidents of piracy and armed robbery have been reported … Continue reading
Somali Pirates Release Civilian After Ransom Paid
While wonderful news for the Tebbutt family, we expect that the ransom payment only encourages more kidnappings, and there are still so many more people that need to be rescued. British woman Judith Tebbutt, 56, has been released after being … Continue reading
Pirate Threat Causes Dire Situation for India’s Only Marina
Talk about bad for business… The threat of Somali pirates along the Gulf of Aden continues to have an adverse impact on Kochi. Signs are still ominous for Kochi International Marina, the country’s first and only marina. With only one … Continue reading
Pirates Pick Wrong Victims and Pay for It
Are pirates getting dumber? This group of them certainly made a big mistake when they decided to attack a bunch of Spanish Marines. The group of pirates made their attack on January 12th while the flagship SPS PATINO was in … Continue reading
Britain Changes Laws in Stand Against Pirates
This might not affect the average cruiser, but it’s an interesting move in recognizing the need to take a stand against pirates. All UK-registered vessels — including superyachts — can now employ armed guards to defend themselves against pirates in … Continue reading
After Monsoon Season Somali Pirates Are Ready as Ever to Attack
Somali pirates are preparing for a new raiding season, taking advantage of the calmer seas after the monsoon period as their ties with Islamist rebels come under closer scrutiny. The end of the monsoon also heralds the season for brave … Continue reading
Dekker Sets Out on Most Dangerous Leg of Voyage
It’s hard to believe this picture is for real! The irony is not lost on us that just days before Laura Dekker set off on the most dangerous leg of her circumnavigation, she cheerfully celebrated her 16th birthday with a … Continue reading
One Hostage Rescued, One Killed in Pirate Attack Off Yemen
We aren’t sure how many more times it needs to be said, but we’ll keep saying it. Stay out of this area of the ocean. We know it’s not fair that the pirates are getting what they want, but is … Continue reading
Danish Family Released from Somali Pirates
It’s unfortunate that the ransom had to be paid and the pirates got what they wanted, but we are happy to hear that this family is now safe. A Danish family of five and two crew members captured by Somali … Continue reading
West Africa Home to Copycat Pirates: Avoid It!
One of the joys of sailing is the freedom to go where you want when you want. While all sensible cruising sailors are now recognizing the western Indian Ocean as too dangerous to sail, the latest reports also suggest that … Continue reading
