Bossaso — Pirates took an Indian dhow and its 14 workers hostage and hours later released the vessel on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.
The dhow was captured by Somali pirates Wednesday morning as it was travelling 20 nautical miles from the Bossaso coast. As the pirates boarded the Shaahi Al Nuuri – carrying livestock from the Bossaso port – the captain gave out a distress signal which was picked up by the EU Naval Force warship HSwMS Carlskrona.
As the warship was pursuing the dhow, businessmen exporting the livestock contacted the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) who attempted to pursue the last known location.
Meanwhile the Dutch warship pursued the dhow, using the support of helicopters. After hours of pursuing the pirates waited until the dead of night to free the dhow.
The Indian sailors were unharmed and are in good condition, according to local sources.
The failed attempt by the piracy is another instance in the diminishing might of Somali pirates. Successful piracy attacks have taken a nosedive the past two years as authorities on land and water have improved their counter piracy operations.
Last year, PMPF captured the MV Iceberg after almost three years in captivity after a gunfight and 2 week standoff.
Via: http://allafrica.com/
