MAP: Somali pirate attacks

2008-12-05 14:27

Cape Town - An estimated 100 ships having been attacked in Somali waters this year, 40 or more of which have been hijacked. Many of these ships are only released once a ransom has been paid. Over the course of the last year it is estimated that pirates have collected more than $150m in ransom money.

Currently 13 ships and roughly 250 crew members are still being held by Somali pirates.

See the map below indicating where major hijackings occurred, and read the explanation in the key below.

Key:

An Indian frigate, the INS Tabar, sinks a suspected pirate "mother ship" in the Gulf of Aden, November 18 2008.

Pirates seize a Hong Kong cargo ship, November 18 2008.

Pirates hijack the Saudi-owned super ol tanker, the Sirius Star, carrying over $100m worth of oil, and take it to anchor off the pirate port of Harardhere.

Pirates seize a Yemeni cargo ship, Erina, on November 19 2008 in the Arabian Sea and take it to the northern region of Puntland. The ship was released in December.

Pirates capture the Ukranian ship, MV Faina, which is loaded with Russian battle tanks and ammunition, in September 2008. The ship is currently anchored off the port of Harardhere.

Key areas of pirate attacks.

- News24