India Expresses Grave Concern Over Menace Of Piracy

New Delhi, Oct 2, IRNA – India on Monday expressed grave concern over menace of piracy. In the backdrop of the growing problem of piracy in international waters, Foreign Minister S M Krishna said India is gravely concerned by the menace of piracy and armed robbery at sea. He noted that apart from major economic and commercial consequences, the "scourge" of piracy has serious humanitarian implications for the large number of seafarers held hostage by the pirates. "The need of the hour is once again concerted international action, under the UN auspices, with special attention being paid to address the welfare of seafarers and their families," he said addressing the 67th session of the UN General Assembly at UN, pti reported. Piracy at sea is a worldwide phenomenon. The number of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden has risen significantly. Hijackings in the Gulf of Aden tend to occur primarily off the coast of Somalia. In some instances attacks have occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles out in international waters. Most of the attacks in the Gulf of Aden have been directed against cargo vessels. According to reports, there were 151 attacks on ships in 2011, compared to 127 in 2010 - but only 25 successful hijacks compared to 47 in 2010. 10 vessels and 159 hostages were being held at February 2012. In 2011, pirates earned $146m, an average of $4.87m per ship. An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 pirates operated; by February 2012 1,000 have been captured and were going through legal processes in 21 countries./end