MV Golden Nori
_for_refueling_following_its_release_from_Somalia-based_pirates_Dec._12.jpg) MV Golden Nori comes alongside USS Whidbey Island for refueling following its release from Somalia-based pirates
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Panama | |
| Operator | Dorval Kaiun Shipping |
| Builder | Fukuoka Shipbuilding, Japan |
| Launched | March 1997 |
| Identification | IMO number: 9151137 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | chemical tanker |
| Tonnage | 11,676 tonnes deadweight (DWT) |
| Length | 117 m (LOA) |
| Beam | 20 meters |
| Draft | 8.75 meters |
| Speed | 13 knots (24 km/h) |
| Capacity | 20 cargo tanks accommodating 78,884 barrels total |
| Crew | 28 |
The MV Golden Nori[1] is a Japanese chemical tanker that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia on 28 October 2007. In news reports, she has at times been mistakenly referred to as the Golden Nory and Golden Mori. At the time of the hijacking the 23 person crew was composed of citizens of South Korea, the Philippines, and Myanmar.[2] One of the South Korean crew members successfully escaped soon after being taken hostage. [3][4]
History
Golden Nori, which operates under a Panamanian flag, was reportedly seized by Somali pirates eight nautical miles off the coast of the East African nation. A radio distress call sent by the crew late on October 28 was received by the USS Porter. The United States Navy responded, sinking the pirates' skiffs.[5] A few days later Capt. Restituto Bulilan was allowed to phone his family and the ship's owners to indicate that the crew was safe. [2]
At the time she was hijacked, the cargo of the Golden Nori consisted of four different chemicals, including highly flammable benzene.[5]
There are believed to be around five well-organized pirate groups operating in Somali waters. Maritime agencies continue to caution ships to avoid Somali waters or travel with escorts.[6]
US and German naval vessels shadowed the captured vessel and blockaded from entering the port of Bosaso. Eventually, after demanding a ransom, the pirates freed the ship and its crew of 21 on December 12.
References
- ^ Dorval Shipping, Inc.
- ^ a b "Crew of Ship Hijacked off Somalia is Safe, Captain Tells Japanese Owner". Associated Press. Irrawaddy Publishing Group. November 2, 2007. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
- ^ "Somali Pirates Release Korean Sailor". chosun.com. ChosunMedia. December 13, 2007. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
- ^ "Seized Crew of Japan Tanker Believed Safe". Associated Press. Washington Post. December 11, 2007. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
- ^ a b "With Help, Ship Crew Defeats Pirates". Associated Press. 31 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-01. Note that this article's title refers to a different incident.[dead link]
- ^ "U.S. destroyer pursuing hijacked ship in Somali waters, military says". CNN.com. Turner Broadcasting. October 27, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-31.
- http://www.merchantships-international.at/GOLDEN_NORI_IMO9151137.pdf
- http://www.e-vrp.com/Vessel_Details.asp?VesselId=30068&PlanNum=1151
- "Somali pirates hijack Japanese tanker (update)". Reuters. 29 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-01.
- http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL12187866.html