Three Romanians Aboard Ship Seized By Somali Pirates

Three Romanians are reported to be aboard Greek cargo ship pirates captured Thursday evening in waters off Somalia, CNN reported.

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The "Titan" was seized in the Gulf of Aden on its way to South Korea with a load of iron, an official with Greece's Merchant Marine Ministry said.

The ship has a crew 24 and is owned by Albamar Shipping, the official said. Seventeen crew members are Filipino, three are Greek, three are Romanian and one is Ukrainian, the official said.

Pirate attacks have intensified over the past four-five years, as Somali fishermen realized this is a more lucrative activity.

In 2008, pirates attacked nearly 100 vessels and hijacked as many as 40 off Somalia, according to the International Maritime Bureau.

The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry is unfolding check-ups to confirm reports that three Romanian citizens are among the crew members of a ship seized by pirates Thursday evening off the coast of Somalia, ministry spokesman Alin Serbanescu told MEDIAFAX Friday.

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