Somali pirates seize 2 more ships

Somali pirates have seized two Yemeni ships with 22 people aboard in the Gulf of Aden. Seven crewmembers managed to escape on a motorboat – and report the hijacking to the coast guard.

The latest seizures come amid a wave of piracy that has swept the waters off the Horn of Africa, making it the world’s most dangerous place for seafarers.

There have been about 100 attempted hijackings, more than one-third successful, and an estimated US$ 30 million paid in ransom.

The United States has called for United Nations to authorise the tracking down of Somali pirates not only at sea, but on land.

Meanwhile, 40 countries are meeting in Kenya to try and come up with solutions to combat the region’s piracy problem.