Al Khaliq News

On Feb. 9 2010, the Panama flagged bulk carrier MV Al Khaliq, with a crew of 26 (24 Indians and 2 Burmese), was released after payment of a ransom. The MV Al Khaliq was hijacked on the early morning on the Oct. 22 2009, 180 nautical miles west of the Seychelles. The Marine Tug Alpha Pina from the owner is providing supplies to the ship. There is no help requested from EU NAVFOR.

On the early morning of October 22nd 2009, 400 nautical miles east of Mombasa, Kenya, pirates attempted to hijack MV Jolly Rosso. Almost at the same time, MV Al Khaliq, a Panama flagged bulk carrier reported being under attack 180 nautical miles west of the Seychelles. MV Jolly Rosso, an Italian flagged Ro-Ro Cargo ship (200m and 31000 tons) was attacked by two small skiffs. The pirates opened fire with automatic fire and also fired 3 Rocket Propelled grenades at the ship. The ship took appropriate evasive action, managed to evade the attack and is proceeding on her voyage. There were no casualties. Belgium EU NAVFOR warship BNS Louise Marie was ordered immediately to close and neutralize the pirate attack position in cooperation with NATOs USS Donald Cook of CTF 508.