Singapore shipowners welcome EU air strikes on Somali pirate bases
The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) has welcomed the air strikes on Somali pirate bases, Seatrade Asia online reports. On 15 May EU naval forces launched their first onshore raid attacking pirate bases from the air. “These criminals have held the world economy and international shipping hostage for more than half a decade,” said SSA executive director, Daniel Tan. “It is to be hoped that this action by the EU will encourage more pro-active and effective measures on land and at sea,” he added.
“Whilst the EU strike against pirate logistics is long-overdue, it certainly is a welcome step in the right direction. This effort must be sustained to remove any future pirate attacks. Furthermore, any effective strategy must also address the root causes of the piracy problem on land in Somalia,” Tan said.
Over the last five years nearly 200 ships have been hijacked 3,000 seafarers held hostage by Somali pirates.