French Luxury Yacht Seized By Somali Pirates
On April 4, the Ponant-French luxury yacht was sailing back to the Mediterranean from the Seychelles when Somali pirates seized it. The Somali coast is known to be the most dangerous. In 2007 alone, about 25 ships were seized there.
Since then, there has been no contact with the crew although the French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has said that he continues to resolve the matter through peaceful ways.
“All channels of discussion are open to try to resolve this case by trying not to use force,” Mr Fillon said during a visit to the city of Le Mans.
Earlier, defence minister Herve Morin said there had been no contact with either the crew of the vessel or the pirates.
The French coastal frigate Le Commandant Bouan had been sent to monitor the yacht, a military spokesman said. A Canadian helicopter on the HMCS Charlottetown also was taking part in the operation, the Associated Press (AP) said.
For the time being, French troops and a multi-national naval force are controlling the situation, but its not clear what will happen next.
Photo:© sluggerwv
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