Piracy & Ship Attacks - 1/4/11

MV BLIDA Pirated in the Indian Ocean

EU NAVFOR reports that on Saturday, January 1 the Algerian flagged MV BLIDA was pirated about 150 nautical miles southeast of the port of Salalah, Oman.

The Algerian-owned bulk carrier was en route from Salalah, Oman to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when she was attacked.

The ship has a crew of 27 and is carrying a cargo of Clinker.

Fishing Vessel Confirmed as Being Pirated

VEGA 5's owner reported her missing on December 28 after losing communications with the fishing vessel. The vessel was expected to have been attacked by pirates, and now that suspicion has been confirmed. EU NAVFOR reports that the vessel was spotted off the Mozambique coast about 200 nautical miles South West of the Comoros Islands.

EU NAVFOR reports that the vessel, with a crew of 14, was towing what appeared to be a pirate attack skiff. Efforts to contact the ship were unsuccessful.

EU NAVFOR reports that 28 vessels and 654 hostage are now being held off the cost of Somalia.