Somali pirates defy EU forces and seize chemical tanker

Wilfred Mulliro

Nairobi (Alshahid) — Despite the presence of the massive combined forces Atlanta patrolling the Gulf of Aden, Somali pirates have hijacked a chemical tanker carrying lubricating oil in the Red Sea, the EU’s anti-piracy task force says.

The force says pirates attacked the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Motivator on Sunday in the northern Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

The seizure was only confirmed early Monday after communication with the ship was lost.

The EU Naval Force says the 13,065 ton-ship has a crew of 18 Filipinos on board.

The Horn of Africa nation is ravaged by 19 years of civil war and lawlessness which have provided a haven for pirates and terrorists alike.

The waters surrounding Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden that connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, are known to be among the world’s most dangerous.

The lucrative business of piracy – ransom axis has emboldened the war impoverished young Somalis to dare any forces in the waters.