Somalia: Somali Pirates Grab a Tug

First report here:

A tug has been hijacked by Somali pirates. The latest ICC International Maritime Bureau report gives only brief detaisal but says that, on 04.08.08 at 0300 LT: off Bosasso, pirates attacked and hijacked a tug underway. It adds that the pirates took the crew hostage and sailed the tug into Somali coastal waters and that further details are awaited.

The tug joins the supramax bulk carrier Stella Maris, hijacked on 22 July and the largest vessel seized to-date. The ship and 18-strong crew are still being held and it is understood negotiations for their release are continuing.