Pirates Hijack Japanese Cargo Ship

Somali pirates have seized a Japanese-owned cargo ship off the coast of Kenya.The European Union’s anti-piracy force says owners of the MV Izumi received a distress signal from the ship on Sunday. It says a Danish warship sent to investigate made contact with the Izumi’s captain, who said pirates had taken charge of the vessel.The EU force said Monday that a French warship is now monitoring the vessel, which is carrying a crew of 20, all Filipinos.The Japanese Transport Ministry says the ship was headed for the Kenyan port of Mombasa when it was seized. After the hijacking, it was reported to be heading toward Somalia.The EU anti-piracy force has warned that Somali pirate attacks are likely to increase now that the regional monsoon season has come to an end.EU ships are patrolling the shipping lanes near Somalia in an effort to reduce hijackings.Somali pirates have hijacked dozens of ships in recent years, taking in tens of millions of dollars in ransom – Voanews