Somali pirates seize Indian dhow with 14 people

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) In yet another strike, Somalipirates have seized an Indian vessel along with 14 people onboard off the coast of Oman.

"Somali pirates have hijacked an Indian dhow with 14 crewnear Salalah. The incident took place on January 9," a seniorofficial in the Directorate of Shipping told PTI today.

The dhow (a slow-moving vessel) was sailing off Oman,about 800 nautical miles from the Somali coast when thepirates attacked, taking hostage all 14 Indian crew members onboard, the official said.

Last year, the Somali pirates carried out severalstrikes, capturing 11 dhows with over 100 Indians on board.

However, they later released majority of the vessels afterpayment of ransom.

Repeated attacks on Indian vessels had prompted thegovernment to issue warning to dhows about the dangers inthose waters, particularly along the sea-lanes of Salalah andMale.

The merchandise conducted on seas is worth about USD110 billion annually, with Indians being among the majorplayers.