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MV Golden Nori

US Navy 071213-N-3764J-002 The Merchant vessel Golden Nori comes along side the U.S. Navy dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) for refueling following its release from Somalia-based pirates Dec. 12.jpg
MV Golden Nori comes alongside USS Whidbey Island for refueling following its release from Somalia-based pirates
History
Flag of Panama.svgPanama
Operator: Dorval Kaiun Shipping
Builder: Fukuoka Shipbuilding, Japan
Launched: March 1997
Identification:
Status: In service
General characteristics
Class and type: chemical tanker
Tonnage: 11,676 tonnes deadweight (DWT)
Length: 117 m (LOA)
Beam: 20 meters
Draft: 8.75 meters
Speed: 13 knots (24 km/h)
Capacity: 20 cargo tanks accommodating 78,884 barrels total
Crew: 28

The MV Golden Nori is a Japanese chemical tanker that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia on 28 October 2007. In news reports, she has at times been mistakenly referred to as the Golden Nory and Golden Mori. At the time of the hijacking the 23 person crew was composed of citizens of South Korea, the Philippines, and Myanmar. One of the South Korean crew members successfully escaped soon after being taken hostage.

Golden Nori, which operates under a Panamanian flag, was reportedly seized by Somali pirates eight nautical miles off the coast of the East African nation. A radio distress call sent by the crew late on October 28 was received by the USS Porter. The United States Navy responded, sinking the pirates' skiffs. A few days later Capt. Restituto Bulilan was allowed to phone his family and the ship's owners to indicate that the crew was safe.

At the time she was hijacked, the cargo of the Golden Nori consisted of four different chemicals, including highly flammable benzene.

There are believed to be around five well-organized pirate groups operating in Somali waters. Maritime agencies continue to caution ships to avoid Somali waters or travel with escorts.

US and German naval vessels shadowed the captured vessel and blockaded from entering the port of Bosaso. Eventually, after demanding a ransom, the pirates freed the ship and its crew of 21 on December 12.


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Wikipedia

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