Norwegian ship captured
by pirates
The Norwegian-owned chemical tanker "Bow Asir", registered in the Bahamas, has been captured by pirates off the coast of East Africa, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association reported Thursday.
The Norwegian captain was able to report the attack to the operators, Salhus Shipping in Bergen, before all communication with the vessel was cut. He said 16-18 men armed with machine guns had boarded the ship.
The ship was sailing along what is known as the "safe route" well outside the waters where pirates normally operate.
It is believed that the ship is now on its way to a harbour on the Somali coast, and it is expected that the pirates will demand a ransom before the vessel and crew are released.
A Norwegian frigate will this summer join the EU Naval Force which is patrolling off the coast of Somalia, in an effort to prevent the piracy.
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