Pirates attack British ship off Africa coast, take hostages February 11, 2013 - 15:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Three crewmen have been taken hostage after pirates attacked a British ship off the west coast of Africa, BBC News reported. A Romanian and two Russians were taken when raiders boarded the Esther C cargo ship in the Gulf of Guinea. The pirates stole personal possessions from the crew before departing with their hostages last week. The Isle of Wight-based Carisbrooke Shipping, which owns the vessel, said it was taking "all possible steps" to secure their release. The nine remaining Filipino crew are reported to be safe. The cargo ship, which is carrying wood, is continuing its voyage the company said. Another ship from the firm has been sent to the region to offer assistance. Families of all crew members have been contacted and are being kept informed of the situation. Russia's foreign ministry confirmed two of its citizens were among the hostages taken between the Cameroonian port of Douala and the port of Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. Last week, a French-owned ship seized by pirates off Ivory Coast was freed.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
