Pirates seize South Korean trawler off Somalia

SEOUL, Apr 5: A South Korean trawler fishing off Somalia has bween sized and its crew of 25 held captive, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.

The crew of the 361-tonne fishing vessel named 628 Dongwon-ho includes eight South Koreans, nine Indonesians, five Vietnamese and three Chinese, it said.

The South Korean fishing vessel was seized by eight armed assailants in two speed boats on Tuesday, the ministry said.

Other South Korean ships that were also fishing in the area signalled for help. Dutch and US naval vessels tried to intervene but gave up their pursuit after the fishing ship entered Somali waters, it said.

The ministry has set up a special task force for the matter.

Pirates from Somalia frequently attack ships they say have strayed into territorial waters and hold them for ransom. East Africa's waters are rich in yellow fin tuna and other fish.

Reuters