Piracy explodes in Indian Ocean

Reports indicate that at least 5 ships were captured this weekend alone off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean.

The end of the monsoon season has arrived, and pirates are learning that attacks can still be very successful, further offshore, away from naval patrols and in what was previously thought of as relatively safe territory.  I do stress relatively.

The calls for action are getting louder.  Ship owners are likely going to have to agree to a system of convoys and the multinational forces may need to place more emphasis in stopping pirates inside Somalia, before they get offshore.  Air surveillance and air patrols will likely need to increase drastically in order for the seaborne patrols to become more effective.

There are currently at least 13 vessels currently hijacked by pirates off Somalia.  The most recent being the British owned Malaspina Castle.  I list them below.

M/V Malaspina Castle

M/T Stolt Strength

M/V Titan

M/T Serenity

M/T Saldanha

M/T Bow Asir

In addition to these, the following are vessels of which I was unable to find photos of.
Mohammedi – Iranian Dhow
Shasheen – Iranian Dhow
Indian Ocean Explorer
Yenegoa Ocean
Masindra
Sea Princess II
Nipayia

Here is the most recent report of the ships listed above from the NATO Shipping Centre