Close shave

A close shave for Malaysian vessel, Bunga Seroja Satu, when Danish warship, Absalon, helped thwart an attack by Somali pirates at the Gulf of Aden. Swift action on the part of both Bunga Seroja Satu and Absalon helped deter the attempted hijacking. Things do not seem to be improving as there has been at least four attempted attacks on trade ships in the past three days.

Should the situation at the Gulf of Aden does not show any sign of improving, shipping cost will increase as ships will have to ply an extra 3,501 nautical miles and add another 12 days by sailing around Africa to get to Europe (and vice versa). The Gulf of Aden is the passage to the Suez Canal. Unless and until the problem of maritime piracy is solved, chances are the Suez Canal would be relatively quiet - resulting in a loss of income for Egypt.

There is also a report that an unidentified warship has captured 14 Somali pirates on Sunday. Whether this will bring about a solution to the crisis remains to be seen.

I do hope that the international community tackles this piracy menace at the Gulf of Aden promptly and effectively. No doubt, the problem that occurred is a spillover from the socio-political problems plaguing Somalia. Aside from tackling the Somali pirates at sea, efforts must also be taken to alleviate the situation in Somalia itself.