UPDATE V: Maersk Alabama attacked by pirates Maersk Alabama Situation: 1700 EDT Update http://www.maersklinelimited.com We want to respond to inquiries with the most recent information in a consistent manner. First of all, we would like to extend to the families of the crew and the captain of the Maersk Alabama our thoughts and prayers. As [...]

Here is the latest directly from Maersk:

Maersk Alabama Situation: 0600 EDT Update

Norfolk, Va., 9 April 2009: The current situation involving the Maersk Alabama has remained much the same throughout the night. The ship’s crewmembers have been accounted for and are safely aboard the vessel. However, the ship’s captain remains in the custody of the pirates, who departed in one of the ship’s encapsulated life boats on April 8.

The U.S. flagged M/V Maersk Alabama has been hijacked by pirates approximately 280 miles (450 kilometers) northeast of Eyl, a town in the northern Puntland region of Somalia. The ship reportedly has 21 U.S. citizens aboard and is the first U.S. flagged vessel to be hijacked by Somali pirates.

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 [...]

The Somali pirates are at it again, apparently taking advantage of good weather, and lackluster protection provided by international naval forces.  In the past 2 days, two European owned tankers have been seized by Somali pirates. AFP provides the following details – The Maritime Security Centre run by the EU naval force said that the [...]