Indonesia

Pirates in Indonesia alleged to be naval patrol boat

The master of a general cargo vessel claims the Kal Youtefa fired upon his ship and ordered it to stop. He and the third officer were then ordered aboard the naval vessel for documentation inspection.

Both the master and the third officer were then allegedly beaten before the naval officer demanded $5,000 in exchange for their release.

Reports say the master negotiated this demand down to about half the amount plus provisions. The third officer was held captive until the ransom was paid.

The alleged incident took place in position 02°18.5'S, 140°38.5'E just off the town of Jayapura in Irian Jaya, a part of Indonesia that neighbours Papa New Guinea.