Pirate-linked incidents increase in waters off Somalia

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- Over 100 pirate-related incidents took place in the
sea off Somalia in 2008, jumping more than five-fold over the past two years, a
government report showed Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, a total of 111
pirate-linked incidents, including hijacking, occurred in waters off the African
country last year, up from 20 two years earlier. Globally, 293 such cases were
reported last year.
The data came a day after South Korea's cabinet approved a government plan to
send a naval ship and forces to waters off Somalia to protect South Korean
vessels from pirates. Some 460 Korean vessels pass through the area every year.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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