‘Peace Boat’ escapes pirate attack

‘Peace Boat’ escapes pirate attack       A cruise ship used by the Peace Boat, a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization “to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment,” was reportedly attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
      The Web site of the Norwegian shipping newspaper Tradewinds, quoting “informed sources,” reported the 1,056-berth Oceanicwas attacked about midnight Wednesday. The ship took evasive maneuvers and managed to fend off the attack, the newspaper said, adding a Greek warship in the area launched a search mission for the pirates and that a skiff was boarded, but suspects were released.
      The Japan group Peace Boat said it charters the Oceanic and was using it for a global voyage that departed from Japan on April 16, to visit 22 ports of call in 20 countries around the world. The ship was slated to return to Japan on July 25.
      The ships passengers included 10 Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors).
      “Taking place at the same time as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference at the United Nations, this voyage will have a strong focus on nuclear disarmament and how to create a peaceful, nuclear-free world. It also features the relaunch of the Global University, with themes including peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, environmental sustainability in Northern Europe and globalisation in Latin America,” said the organization.
      Peace Boat said the Oceanic was built in 1965 by Cantieri Riuniti dell’ Adriatico, Monfalcone, Italy. Originally running transatlantic voyages between Europe and North America during the northern hemisphere summer, and cruising during winter, the Oceanic has at various times also sailed under the names Starship Oceanic and Big Red Boat. ' Chris Dupin