S. Korea in international talks for release of kidnapped sailors

By Lee Chi-dong

SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is cooperating closely with Somalia and other nations to gain the release of 21 sailors kidnapped by pirates off the coast of the African nation earlier this week, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Somali pirates seized a 1,5000-ton South Korean freighter on Wednesday. Eight
South Korean crew and 13 Burmese sailors aboard the ship were abducted, according
to the ministry.

The kidnappers are likely seeking ransom, though they have yet to reveal their
demands, ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young said.

"We have to watch the situation a little bit more, as there has been no
contact from their side," Moon said at a press briefing. "The
government is in cooperation with major related countries following the
incident."

Moon refused to go into details, citing concerns about the safety of the abductees.

Somali waters are reputedly one of the most dangerous areas in the world for
piracy, with more than 25 kidnappings reported there last year alone.

A South Korean tuna ship with 25 crew was hijacked by Somali pirates in April
2006. The ship and its crew were released for a ransom after four months
captivity.

In 2007, two South Korean fishing vessels were seized by Somali pirates, with the
crew held for six months before being released.