Eight Russian nationals have been captured by the Somali pirates while sailing under the Bahamian ensign off the troubled Horn of Africa coast. The cargo vessel had, as well, four Estonians and a Georgian on board. The Danish ship was reportedly destined for Asia having departed from the Middle East. "These attacks are going up, despite the increase in international patrols and we are concerned over the ongoing attacks and hijackings," the head of the International Maritime Bureau's (IMB), Noel Choong was reported by AFP as saying.
Somalia's territorial waters have witnessed 81 cases of piracy this year including the recent one. The issue has drawn international attention prompting Russia, NATO and the European countries to subject the area under close naval surveillance.