Pirates seize RP-operated ship near Somalia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - A maritime official says armed pirates have hijacked a bulk carrier with 21 crew members in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia.

Noel Choong of the International Maritime Bureau says the ship was sailing from the Middle East to Asia when it was seized Wednesday. The ship flies a Panamanian flag but is operated in the Philippines.

The bureau has issued an urgent warning to ships to take extra measures to deter pirates. No further details were immediately available.

Wednesday's hijacking pushed the number of attacks this year in the African waters to 73. A total of 29 ships have been hijacked. Choong says 11 remain in the hands of pirates along with more than 200 crew members.

The attack comes despite increased international cooperation to crack down on pirates in the Gulf of Aden. - AP

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