Grim Anniversary: Somalia pirates and M/V Victoria

A sorry anniversary noted as Pirates hijack aid ship on anniversary of lethal attack:

A general cargo ship has been attacked and hijacked off the Somali coast. In a cruel twist of fate, or wicked irony on the part of her attackers, the successful hi-jacking comes a year after a failed attempt which resulted in the death of a Somali guard.

The 3340 grt vessel, mv VICTORIA, was carrying a cargo of sugar from Mumbai (Bombay) donated by Denmark, bound for Somalia. The cargo had been donated as humanitarian aid.

Latest word has the ship about 350 miles north of Mogudishu and there are conflicting reports about whether a ransom has been demanded yet. If it hasn't, it's only a matter of time.

The Indian Navy is making brave noises, too, but whether another move like France's against the pirates is in the wings seems remote.