Latest piracy news (July 4, 2011) (Update)
(BRUXELLES2) According to a figure given by insurance companies and reinsurers, Somali piracy costs in terms of insurance around an additional $120 million per year, the site specifies. Sea & Navy. It is insurance, in general, which ensures the payment of ransoms but also covers the additional risk of immobilization of the ship and non-delivery of the cargo on time. The solution of rerouting by Cape Town, recommended by certain political leaders, represents an unsustainable and costly solution, explains Mr. Browning, who heads the British shipping association: “ for a large container ship, a rerouting via Cape Town costs between 185.000 and 300.000 dollars. Additional insurance costs for transit are between $30.000 and $60.000 ».
Wednesday (June 29) 10 years in prison for a Somali pirate in Belgium
The Brussels Criminal Court followed the indictment of the prosecution and sentenced to 10 years in prison a young Somali (18 years old, approximately) who had participated in the attack on the Pompei, a Belgian ship, and the Petra I, a ship flying the from Sierra Leone chartered by the World Food Programme. This is the first trial for piracy in Belgium. Also read: Latest piracy news (June 19) (update)
Tuesday (June 28). India establishes anti-piracy law and revises its rules of engagement
The Indian government has prepared an anti-piracy bill which should make it easier to prosecute pirates. Piracy is better defined, in line with the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the competent jurisdiction and the applicable penalty. India had so far no specific law on piracy apart from the penal code and international law. And the pirates were to be prosecuted for illegal activity or carrying a weapon, even under cover of good British Admiralty Law, according to our colleague Times Of India. As piracy approaches India seriously and there are more than 100 pirates already taken by the coastal forces, this clarification became urgent. India has also adopted new rules of engagement allowing the Indian Navy to intervene more proactively. An interministerial group in charge of the fight against piracy will also be created and placed under the authority of the cabinet secretary.
Tue (June 28) Mozambique multiplies aid agreements
India and Mozambique sign an agreement to improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean, whether in terms of training, logistical support or joint patrol. This agreement is moreover broader than piracy and targets the supply of equipment to the Mozambican army, training, repair of vehicles, planes or ships. Mozambique also signed an agreement with South Africa, at the beginning of the month, in order to benefit from its information and intelligence as well as patrols in its territorial area. One of the South African frigates will thus be permanently deployed in the region. Also read: Strengthening the maritime capacities of the Indian Ocean, are we floundering?
Sun (June 26) Southern Africa is getting organized
The Ministers of Defense and Interior of the South African countries of the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) agree to set up an alert force to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean as well as a regional training center for maritime surveillance. The SADC includes Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa. Tanzania has reportedly said it can host the Somali Court against Piracy.
Sun (June 26) Presidential Pardon for Ransom Conveyors
The six men (an American and 5 British, some of whom have dual nationality) arrested in Somalia in possession of masses of money - no doubt intended to pay ransoms - are "pardoned" by the Somali President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and released despite the prison sentence of 10 to 15 years imposed by a court in Mogadishu. Planes have also been unlocked. But the money remained confiscated. Also read: Latest piracy news (June 19) (update)
