Somali Pirates Abduct 11 Romanians In Aden Gulf

According to statements by Adrian Mihalcioiu, leader of the Free Union of Navigators, the cargo ship loaded with 10,000 tons of rice had left India and was heading in a convoy towards Saudi Arabia when it was attacked by pirates on the security corridor.

"The ship was attacked by pirates several hours ago. They took over the ship and are now heading towards Somalia. Eight pirates climbed aboard, deployed, probably, from a large number of small boats fishing in the area. The ship was on the security corridor, it was in a convoy and was swept right from under the noses of the warships providing security for the ships in the area," Mihalcioiu said.

He added most of the sailors are from eastern Romanian city Constanta, union members, and their families have been informed of the kidnapping by the Constanta based crewing company, Kru Maritime, which said all 11 sailors are in good shape.

Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alin Serbanescu told MEDIAFAX the ministry has already unfolded the standard procedure applicable in such cases.
"We have contacted the ship owner. We are in contact with authorities in the area. We are also on standby to receive official information about the situation," Serbanescu said.

The official said the ministry is following the development of events with great attention and the crisis cell is already in effect. In addition, Serbanescu said another five Romanian sailors taken hostage, on April 12, and who are currently in captivity are in good shape. They were aboard the ship Buccaneer, flying an Italian flag.
 

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