April 14, 2009
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MOMBASA, Kenya (CNN) -- Pirates hijacked a 35,000-ton
Greek-owned bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday, the European
Union's Maritime Security Center said. The crew was thought to be unhurt and ships have been warned to stay clear of the area for fear of further attack, the security center said.The hijacking follows the killing by U.S. Navy SEALs of three pirates who were holding an American ship captain hostage.
Pirates attacked the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama last week. They seized its captain, Richard Phillips, and held him hostage on a lifeboat after their attempt to hijack the ship failed.
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| A Kenyan police officer guards the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama at a Mombasa port Sunday. |
U.S. Navy snipers on Sunday fatally shot three pirates, rescued Phillips and arrested a fourth pirate.
U.S. law enforcement authorities are discussing what to do with the lone surviving pirate, who may be as young as 16.
The crew of the Maersk Alabama will reunite soon. Phillips is on the USS Bainbridge headed to Mombasa, Kenya, a military spokesman said, where his crew members were relaxing at a beach resort under the watchful eyes of the Kenyan military.
The men are then expected to be flown home together by Maersk.
SOURCE: CNN, April 14, 2009