Pirates have seized a Liberian-owned bulk cargo vessel and abducted its 24 Filipino crewmen in the Indian Ocean, according to the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR).
The men were taken hostage on the same day as when 19 Filipino seamen of a Greek vessel, who were held captive for seven months off Somali waters, were freed.
"In the early hours of December 11, the 'Renuar' was pirated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,050 nautical miles east of the Somali coastal village of Eyl and a distance of 550 nautical miles from the coast of India," said the European Union Naval Force.
The number of Filipino hostages in Somalia has increased to 106.
The attack was launched from two skiffs, supported by a mother ship, with pirates firing small arms and rocket propelled grenades at the merchant vessel.
Since the attack, the pirates have confirmed that they have control of the ship, which is now heading west towards the Somali coast, the EU NAVFOR said.
The 'Renuar' was en route to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates from Port Louis, Mauritius when it was pirated.
The all-Filipino crew of 24 attempted to evade the pirates causing the pirates to make several determined attacks before finally boarding the vessel.
There are presently no communications with the ship and the condition of the crew is not known.
In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that it has instructed Philippines' Liaison Officer to the Combined Maritime Forces in Manama, Bahrain, Captain Gaudenico Collado, to assist the European Union naval forces to undertake rescue operations before the pirated vessel reaches the coast.
Filipino seafarers account for almost 30 percent of the total global seaborne manpower or about 350,000 sailors, manning tankers, bulkers, OSVs, luxury liners, and passenger vessels worldwide.
Ella Sacay
