The seizure of the Saudi supertanker SIRIUS STAR in November 2008, and its subsequent release in January, drew attention to maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Piracy in the Indian Ocean, and particularly off the Horn of Africa, has been steadily increasing for years, but has suddenly become a much more urgent problem.rnAttacks in the region increased significantly during 2008, with the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre recording 111 incidents, compared to 43 in 2007. These included 42 hijackings in which 828 seafarers were taken hostage, 28 attempted boardings and 34 vessels fired upon.rnDespite the recent release of the high-profile Ukrainian FAINA, with its $30 million cargo of tanks and weapons, twelve ships were still being held in early February, as negotiations continued between Somali pirate gangs and vessel owners.
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