Somali pirates take second ship

Somali pirates seized a second ship in less than 24 hours in the Gulf of Aden today.

Nato said the Lebanese-owned vessel was attacked off the Somali coast by pirates in three or four speedboats.

The International Maritime Bureau’s piracy reporting centre said the Greek-managed M.V. Irene was seized in an overnight attack in the Gulf of Aden. At least four vessels have been taken in less than a week.

Somalian bandits appear undeterred by US and French attacks that killed five of pirates in the past week to rescue hostages including an American sea captain.

Pirates have vowed to retaliate for the killing of their colleagues – and the US military said they took the threats seriously.