Pirates attack British ship off Africa coast, take hostagesFebruary 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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |