Missing Japanese Cargo Ship Located Near Somalia

VOA News Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 A Japanese cargo ship believed hijacked by pirates three days ago off the coast of Kenya has been located in Somali waters.

A spokesman for European Union Naval force told VOA Wednesday that the MV Izumi is anchored two miles from the coast, 6 miles north of Haradheere, a pirate stronghold.

Lieutenant Colonel Per Klingvall did not comment on the whereabouts of the ship’s crew of 20, all Filipinos.

The ship’s operator,

NYK-Hinode Line, says the ship carrying steel from Japan sent out distress signals Sunday, but they lost contact with the vessel.

The company believes that is when the ship was likely being seized by pirates.

The anti-piracy force has warned that Somali pirate attacks are likely to increase now that the regional monsoon season has ended.

Somali pirates have hijacked dozens of ships in recent years, taking in tens of millions of dollars in ransom. EU ships are patrolling the shipping lanes near Somalia in an effort to reduce hijackings.

Some information in this story was provided by AFP.