Piracy rises in RI waters

Piracy rises in RI waters

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): As Asian nations struggle to keep piracy at bay, bandit attacks on ships in Indonesian waters and nearby busy sea channels are rising, according to a new maritime survey.

Nineteen pirate attacks were recorded in Indonesia in the first three months of this year, the International Maritime Bureau said in its quarterly report which was obtained on Thursday.

There were 18 cases during the same period in 1999, and 10 in 1998.

The 19 assaults numbered one-third of all maritime crimes worldwide from this year. Seventy-five percent of the world's pirate attacks occurred in Asia, the report said.

"Pirates armed with guns or knives in speed boats often board ships and take crew hostage, steal cash and valuables and ship equipment," the report said, describing various attacks in Indonesia.

In a March attack, some 20 pirates stormed a ship anchored in the Indonesian port of Surabaya, hurling stones and Molotov cocktails at the crew. One sailor was injured, the report said.

There were 158 pirate attacks in Asia last year, up from 99 in 1998, according to IMB.