Salem-News.com Pirates articles

The Selective Saintliness; Real Story Behind Release of Kidnapped Baloch Fishermen

A German journalist helped convince pirates to free 22 Baloch fishermen last November.

(Occupied Balochistan) - The fates of Baloch fishermen, who were under the captivity of Somali pirates for almost a year, have finally been changed, as a German journalist, Wolfgang Bauer, comes in to help these formerly helpless fishermen.

On 25th of November, these fishermen were finally released from Somali captivity and now are back amongst their loved ones.

Argh!

Author writes prequel to show pirates before they were famous...

(SALEM, Ore.) - We’ve seen them in movies, cartoons and theme parks. But, what are the back-stories of pirates? How does a pirate decide to become a pirate? Author Phyll T. gives us a glimpse into how good men can turn bad in her new novel, The Black Widow.

Somali Pirates Release Greek Bulker After 11-Month Hostage Ordeal

Ship manager of MV Blida is Sekur Holdings Inc. of Piraeus, Greece and registered owner is International Bulk Carrier of Algeria.

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - The Motor Vessel Blida was released today and the crew is in good condition, given the circumstances, Ecoterra Intl. reports. Captain Vitali and the Chief Officer called Ecoterra Intl. at midday to relay the message to the diplomatic missions, thanking everybody involved in the release efforts.

The captain confirmed that the remaining crew of 25, two sailors had to have a medical evacuation earlier, is all right and happy that they will reach in about five days Mombasa in Kenya.

Counter-Piracy Updates: Somalia, Gulf of Aden & the Indian Ocean

Includes video of German Navy attacking and destroying suspected pirate boat.

(NAIROBI, Kenya Ecoterra) - At least 30 ships plus 18 smaller foreign vessels are kept in Somali hands against the will of their owners, while at least 504 hostages or captives - including a South-African yachting couple - suffer to be released.

Status of Seized Vessels and Crews in Somalia, Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean

Since EU NAVFOR's inception at the end of 2008 the piracy off Somalia started in earnest and it has now completely escalated. Only knowledgeable analysts recognize the link.

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - Since 1986 - ECOTERRA Intl. and ECOP-marine serve concerning the counter-piracy issues as advocacy groups in their capacity as human rights, marine and maritime monitors.

The group works in co-operation with numerous other organizations, groups and individuals as information clearing-house. In difficult cases we have successfully served as mediators.

The Silence over the CIA Prison in Somalia

This report raises another interesting area of concern. Several Governments in the region have Prisons that for the lack of a better term have horrible conditions.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - In the August 1st-8th edition of the Nation Jeremy Scahill wrote a piece that has been met with silence from some of the people one would assume would have something to say about it.

Counter Piracy Update

Status of seized vessels and crews in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. U.S.A.: Nothing to celebrate this 4th of July.

(NAIROBI, Kenya Ecoterra) - Today, at least 34 larger plus 17 smaller foreign vessels and one stranded barge are kept in Somali hands against the will of their owners

At least 573 hostages or captives - including a South-African yachting couple as well as a Danish yacht-family with three children and two friends suffer to be released.

Update on Counter-Piracy Operations

Status of seized vessels and crews in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

(NAIROBI, Kenya Ecoterra) - ECOTERRA Intl. and ECOP-marine serve concerning the counter-piracy issues as advocacy groups in their capacity as human rights, marine and maritime monitors as well as in co-operation with numerous other organizations, groups and individuals as information clearing-house.

In difficult cases we have successfully served as mediators.

Tunisian Ship Released from Somalia

Reportedly the chief engineer of the vessel was slightly injured with a hit of a gun-butt when the ship was taken.

(NAIROBI, Kenya ECOP-Marine) - The Tunisian tanker MT HANNIBAL II was finally released this morning and is now proceeding to Djibouti with a navy escort. All the crew are in good health after a detention of 127 days, the owners of the vessel confirmed.

Last minute problems with the vessel having no more fuel for the voyage could be solved and the hostage ordeal for the crew is now over, returning to a new Tunisia, where during the long absence of the crew, a new dawn has come for the people of Tunisia.

Unnecessary Tragic End of Yacht Voyage in Somalia

U.S.American Yacht Hostages Confirmed Dead - 4 Americans and 4 Somalis killed.

(NAIROBI, Kenya ECOTERRA) - According to U.S. officials, quoted first by selected media, the four U.S. American hostages on SY QUEST are confirmed dead.

Rumours in Somalia had spoken already earlier that something tragic had happened. A spokesman at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi said all relevant U.S. government agencies were monitoring the situation.