NEWS AND NOTES
Blue Water Sailing
MARCH 27, 2009
Pirates Attack Yacht near the Seychelles
Seychelles - It appears that the pirates of Somalia have struck a private yacht again, this time traveling to the far islands of the Seychelles for the attack. Our source in Somalia tells us that Gilbert Victor and Andre Conrad, onboard the yacht Serenity, left the islands on February 28th, sailing for Madagascar, but disappeared soon after. One of the hostages reportedly called his family on Tuesday, saying he was being held by pirates and begging for help.
"The ill-fated yacht is presently under tight security, anchored next to Garacad, Somalia," said Andrew Mwangura, who is often called upon by YachtPals as a reliable source regarding piracy in Somalia. Though piracy is reportedly "unusual" in this area, it is not unheard of. It is possible that the multinational naval presence in the Gulf of Aden is forcing the Somali pirates to shift their operations into the Indian Ocean.
The Seychelles government has contacted the British, French and American governments to ask for their assistance. Reports are spotty at this time, as they often are in this part of the world, but YachtPals will keep you posted as this situation develops.
From: YachtPals.com.
