More Pirates Attacks As SeyGov Promises To Do All In Its Power!

This time it is the Taiwanese ship MV Win Far 161 which was seized near an island in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, diplomats have said. It is the second attack in the Seychelles within a week!

Diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The hijacking of the Taiwanese ship is the latest in a series of attacks in the Indian Ocean. Analysts say the pirates have moved many of their operations out of the Gulf of Aden, which is heavily patrolled by naval warships from countries as diverse as China, the United States, France and India. Instead, they are attacking off the east African coast, targeting ships coming out of the Mozambican channel.

The multimillion-dollar ransoms are a rare source of cash in Somalia.

Meanwhile in Seychelles the government reassured the families of the Seychellois hostages taken from the 'Indian Ocean Explorer' a few days ago, that the government is doing all that it can within its powers so as to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.

"If the government is powerless to protect our waters, how is it possible for them, the government, to motivate a return of the crew from the pirates?" commented one member of the National Assembly, claiming anonymity as he was not authorised by his party to comment.

Currently President Michel (SPPF) is in Japan and at the top of President's agenda during the visit will be discussions on efforts being undertaken to make the Indian Ocean safe from piracy, following recent attacks believed to originate from Somalia.

"The Seychelles Government in this regard, responding to piracy off of Somalia has done little and failed to protect the interests of the Seychellois people. They did not anticipate this problem really, even after a well respected person raised the matter and approaching government last year offering suggestions and advice. Only lip service was given. Now as a result fishing fleets are reconsidering doing business here, tourists are seeing that pirates are within our waters, and all this comes when we are in a deep financial hole," commented an observer within the security field.

Meanwhile the group formed by Mr. Chang - Sam continues to grow. 'Seychellois United Against Somali Pirates' is a non-partisan group united to support Seychelles from all over the world! This is a worthy cause indeed.