Not Just a Local Problem, Anymore

Somali pirates hit oil tanker in mid-ocean attack - Telegraph 1000 nautical miles is long way, for a group that wasn't venturing more than 100 miles offshore just 3 years ago.

Pirates in two skiffs fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at the Hong Kong-flagged BW Lion, the European Union's anti-piracy mission said.

The tanker's captain increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres, avoiding the attack, the force said. No casualties were reported. The naval force sent a plane from the Seychelles islands to investigate.

Pirates have launched increasingly bold attacks against vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden in hopes of capturing a ship and crew and collecting ransom.

The rich paydays, and the larger area - makes it harder to find them - is drawing them out.