ICC URGES INDONESIA TO ACT AGAINST PIRATE ATTACKS

ICC URGES INDONESIA TO ACT AGAINST PIRATE ATTACKS    The international maritime bureau of the International Chamber of Commerce has urged the Indonesian government to take action against a gang of pirates who have this week been attacking and hijacking ships in the Gaspar Straits, east of Java.
   The maritime bureau reported that there have been six attacks on vessels in the past six days, and that Indonesia’s waters continue to be the world’s most dangerous for ships. In one attack, the master and chief officer were severely beaten before being robbed. In another, aboard a chemical tanker, the bridge crew were tied up for the duration of the attack, the maritime bureau said.
   Vessels attacked include bulk carriers, container vessels and a chemical tanker.
   Pirate gang are “terrorising ships” off Indonesia, the International Chamber of Commerce said.
   Few gangs of pirates have been caught in Indonesia and those who have been caught received “minimal” sentences, according to the maritime bureau. Many ports and islands off the coast in Indonesia are frequented by pirate gangs “who appear to board ships with impunity,” it complained.
   The international maritime bureau is the maritime crime-prevention division of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce.