Pirates Hijack Cargo Ship in the Gulf of Aden

The European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR) reported that Somali pirates have hijacked a Malta flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.

The MV OLIB G was hijacked early Wednesday, along with its crew of 18, among which are 15 Georgian and 3 Turkish. Nearby USS Princeton received notification from the cargo ship that a skiff was approaching, but the warship was unable to contact the vessel. A helicopter from the USS Princeton confirmed two pirates on board the ship.

At the time of the attack the MV Olib G was sailing a protected corridor of the gulf, Internally recommended by EU NAVFOR coalition forces. Anti-piracy forces are using radar to track the ship that is headed south towards Somali's northern coast. The condition of the crew is currently unknown due to an inability to communicate with the ship.

The vessel's registered owners are Frio Maritime SA and is managed by Frio Ventures SA, both out of Athens, Greece.

In 2009, Somali pirates attacked more than 200 ships with 68 successful hijackings and ransoms totaling more than $50 million.

Photo Courtesy of EU NAVFOR