New details have emerged concerning the hijacking of the French cruise vessel Le Ponant off Somalia. According to the Master, the crew detected a vessel appearing to be a Korean or a Taiwanese fishing ship. When changing course to avoid the vessel, Le Ponant was attacked by two speed boats. The crew tried to fend of the pirates with water hoses but failed. The only damage to the vessel came when a pirate accidently fired five shots while cleaning his weapon. The company CGA-CGM is said to have paid USD 2 million in ransom. Half of this was retreived by French commandos when they captured half of the pirates.
According to French media, the government wants the pirates, described as former fishermen, to stand trial in France.
France will also take initiative for an international anti-piracy force under UN flag to combat pirates off East Africa and in the Malacka Strait.
According to French media, the government wants the pirates, described as former fishermen, to stand trial in France.
France will also take initiative for an international anti-piracy force under UN flag to combat pirates off East Africa and in the Malacka Strait.