UN issues warning over resurgent piracy

NOTING that recent attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Somalia highlight the continued threat of piracy, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged the use of navies’ advice and the International Maritime Organisation while planning passage through the region.

“After three attacks, following a lull of five years, it is clear that Somali pirates are resurgent and intent on continuing attacks on commercial shipping,” the office’s executive director, Yury Fedotov, said on Tuesday.

“I urge the international community to be vigilant, to work in close partnership and to hold the Somali pirates accountable,” he added.

Over the course of last month, Motor Tanker (a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil) Aris 13, fishing vessel Asayr 2 and cargo ship Al Kaushar were attacked by Somali pirates.

While the crews of Aris 13, and Asayr 2 were released, Al Kaushar’s crew are reportedly still held hostage by the pirates.

According to UNODC, large parts of the Somali coast remain beyond the reach of law enforcement authorities, and it called on ships planning passage off the country to get advice from navies and the International Maritime Organisation.

The UN agency added that it continued to support the trials of piracy suspects in the region and the Somali maritime law enforcement agencies.

“The threat of Somali piracy has never gone away: it has been suppressed by the good work of the shipping industry and their security teams, navies, and UNODC’s support in the trial and imprisonment of 1 300 pirates,” said Alan Cole, head of the office’s Maritime Crime Programme. – ANA