Text Only
Search

 
Malacca Strait Hostages Released

21 March 2005

Japanese news reports say three sailors taken hostage in the Malacca Strait last week have been released.

The two Japanese and a Filipino were released Monday after pirates seized their vessel March 14 in the Strait, a busy shipping lane often plagued by armed bandits.

Japanese officials said last week that about 15 pirates had attacked the tugboat known as the "Idaten" and kidnapped three crew members. The remaining 11 crew members arrived safely on the Malaysian island of Penang.

Some information provided by Reuters and AP.

emailme.gif E-mail This Article
printerfriendly.gif Print Version

  Top Story
Japan Opposition Files No-Confidence Motion Against PM

  More Stories
Bomb Explodes Near US Iraq Ambassador's Convoy
Two US Marines Killed in Southern Afghanistan
Kim Jong-il Reported to Have Pancreatic Cancer
Netanyahu Calls for Peace Summit With Palestinian Leaders 
China's Xinijiang Calm as Relatives of Riot Victims Mourn
US Legislators Decry Secret Bush-Era Program
Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour Scrubbed Again
Five Iranians Detained by US in Iraq for 2 Years Return Home
Mexican Police Kill One Gunman in Michoacan Violence
Officials: Maoists Kill 26 Police in Central India
Obama Returns Home From European, African Trip
Alleged Coup Plot Puts Guinean Army on High Alert 
Lithuania Swears In First Woman President
Curfew Lifted in Honduras
Al-Qaida in North Africa Frees Swiss Hostage
Park in the Sky Opens in New York  Audio Clip Available
China Rushing Supplies to Quake-Hit Zone  Audio Clip Available
Thousands Remember Europe's Worst Massacre Since World War II