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Maritime Union Wants Somali Coast Declared a War Zone

06 November 2005

A British maritime organization has called for the waters off Somalia to be declared a war zone following Saturday's pirate attack on a luxury cruise ship.

The National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers says the situation off Somalia is anarchic and that it is time for governments to get involved. The union is also calling for a naval task force to be established to stop the attackers.

Saturday's attack on the Seabourne Spirit is the latest in more than 20 reported pirate attacks off Somalia since March. No one was seriously injured Saturday when pirates fired grenades at the cruise ship, which sped away from the attackers before they could board.

The ship was carrying American, British and Australian tourists.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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