Pirates are likely to 'come out in force' once the winds drop: Somali pirate attacks are set to increase as the seasonal monsoon off the coast of east Africa eases in the coming weeks, maritime authorities warned on Monday.
There were 130 attempted hijackings in the first six months of this year in the world's most dangerous waters, already 19 more than during all of 2008.
But captains have reported a marked reduction in attacks in the last two months, largely due to heavy swells and strong winds associated with monsoon weather.
That is due to change as the seas calm, according to Rear Adm Caner Bener, the Turkish commander of the antipiracy Combined Task Force based in Bahrain.
"The prior preparation and vigilance of merchant mariners at all times of day and night is more important now than ever," he said in a statement on Monday.
"While our ability to deter and disrupt attacks has improved over time, we are constantly adapting the way we do our business as the pirates adapt and modify their tactics." Vessels were urged to stick to a new "safe corridor" through the Gulf of Aden.
More than 30 ships and aircraft from 16 nations continue to patrol the waters to the north and east of Somalia, including an EU flotilla commanded by British Rear Adm Peter Hudson.
He warned this week that the pirates would likely "come out in force" once the winds dropped, adding that the number and scale of attacks could equal those seen during the last 12 months.
Dozens of pirates arrested by international navies continue to be held in Kenyan jails awaiting trial.
Kenya's authorities have demanded more help from Western nations to cope with the volume of prosecutions.
Source: Telegraph.co.uk
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