Khaleej Times Investigation Team
28 April 2006
DUBAI — The crew of the UAE-operated oil tanker Lin 1, hijacked by Somali pirates on March 29, are reported to be unharmed but still captive, the Khaleej Times has been told.
Approximately 12 pirates armed with AK-47 machine-guns and pistols attacked the tanker in broad daylight shortly after she had unloaded a cargo of diesel at El Ade port in the north of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The previous week El Ade had been seized by Islamist militia in a battle that killed at least 70 people. Using small speed boats, the pirates stormed the tanker and took her 19-man Filipino crew hostage. The Lin 1 is operated by Akron Trade and Transport, based in Fujairah Free Zone, but flies a Panamanian flag of convenience. Khaleej Times has been told the Lin 1 is currently under guard just offshore from the fishing port of Adale, 150km north of Mogadishu. In a telephone interview Pottengal Mukundan, director of the London-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB), confirmed ransom negotiations are currently under way between the ship’s owners and the pirates. Sources say the demand involves several hundred thousands dollars. Around 20 ships have been held for ransom by Somali pirates in the past year. Ransom demands have ranged from $1 million to $400,000. As reported in yesterday’s Khaleej Times exclusive story, the Greek-owned San Carlo was released last November after her owners arranged for a secret $650,000 cash payoff in Dubai. Andrew Mwangura of the Seafarers’ Assistance Programme, told KT in a telephone interview from Kenya that the 19-man Filipino crew are reported to be safe and unharmed. Last week, Somalia announced it had given permission for the US Navy to begin patrolling its waters in an attempt to drive out the pirates. The US is also expected to help develop and train Somalia’s near-defunct coast guard. Ships are still advised, however, to stay at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. Source: Khaleej Times, April 28, 2006
