Update: French Yacht Hijacked off the Coast of Somalia

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-09-08 18:45:27
Contributors:
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Somalia

Original article from Sky News, updated from the Times on-line.

The head of the Seafarers Assistance Programme (SAP), based in Mombasa, Kenya, has said that the two French hostages were not, in fact, taken to Eyl, as was previously reported. "Reports directly from Somalia indicate that the hostages (the couple Jean-Yves and his wife Bernardette Delanne of French Nationality) were dropped at the Somali coast near Alula (written Caluula) at the tip of the Horn of Africa, from where part of the gang have dragged them into a remote hideout in the Xaabo (pronounced: Hawo) mountains."

Andrew Mwangura also said that the pirates have made unusual demands for the release of these latest hostages: "The Somali hi-jackers of the couple demand for the release a sum in excess of 1.4 million US dollars and the return of the 6 Somali prisoners, which the French Navy had taken after the negotiated and paid-for release of the French Luxury Yacht Le Ponant." These accused pirates have been facing trial in Paris since capture.

Jean-Yves and Bernadette Delanne from Tahiti were seized aboard their 16m (50ft) yacht "Carre d’As", on Tuesday on their way from Australia to France. They have spoken to their daughter, Alizee, by satellite telephone and told here that they were fine.

The French Ministry condemned the attack and called for the release of the two French citizens.

Puntland's Ports Minister Ahmed Saed Ali Nur said that pirates in the region had about 10 vessels captive at the moment, adding "it's beyond our capacity to tackle this problem".

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) are recommending all shipping stays at least 200 miles off the coast of Somalia.

If intending to transit the Gulf of Aden this season, don´t miss the latest information on security here