EU naval force probes hijack of Indian vessel

European Union naval force operating off the coast of Somalia said investigations and operations are underway on the Indian registered cargo ship that was hijacked by Somalia pirates on April 1.

EU Naval Force also confirmed that the vessel which was seized with 11 Indian crew members on board is now in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia.

"An EU Naval Force maritime patrol aircraft has confirmed the exact location of the dhow and has attempted to establish radio communications but without success," the anti-piracy taskforce said in a statement on its website on Monday.

The vessel which was en route from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Bosasso in Somalia was hijacked in the vicinity of Socotra (Island).

Reports say the Dubai-based opener Feroz Thaim has established contents with the pirates and negotiations are already underway to get the crew members released.

Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and sometimes use skiffs launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows, to conduct attacks far from the Somali coast.

Maritime experts said lack of economic opportunities and the prevalence of illegal fishing are pushing more Somalis to turn to piracy -- partly as a form of protest and partly because they see no other options. Endit