Pirate attacks spike in 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Pirate attacks around the world surged 38.5 percent in 2009 with suspected Somali pirates accounting for more than half of the 406 reported incidents, an international maritime body said yesterday.

According to the Kuala Lumpur-based International Maritime Bureau, Somali pirates ventured further out to sea last year to capture dozens of ships, take hundreds of hostages and collect millions of dollars in ransom.

"Pirates are now more desperate to hijack ships. Recent attacks, at distances of over 1,000 nautical miles from Mogadishu, indicate the capability of the Somali pirates," the bureau's annual report said.