Pirates attack boat in the Philippines

Report says sea piracy plunges to 18-year low but kidnappings rise

Eight Filipino fishermen were fatally shot by at least five suspected pirates who boarded their boat in the southern Philippines, officials said on Tuesday.

Seven other crew members survived the attack on Monday night in waters near Zamboanga City by jumping off the boat and swimming away when the attackers began tying up their colleagues, said Commodore Joel Garcia, head of the Philippine Coast Guard.