DJIBOUTI (Kyodo) Pirates running amok off Somalia are taking advantage of communications lapses among the multinational antipiracy patrols, according to the Maritime Self-Defense Force captain leading Japan's mission.
"It is highly likely that Somali pirates are finding loopholes created by navies of various countries," Capt. Yasuki Nakahata said Sunday.
Between 30 and 40 naval vessels are on station near Somalia to ward off pirate attacks, but the number of incidents more than doubled last year to 215 from the 111 in 2008, according to the MSDF.
Nakahata pointed out that piracy has recently expanded in reach, drawing patrol vessels beyond the Gulf of Aden. At the same time, however, pirates are targeting more vessels within the gulf, he added.
"Vigilance in the Gulf of Aden is weakening as antipiracy vessels are drawn out toward distant waters," Nakahata said.
"That's where other pirates try to fill in (the void)."
The MSDF's antipiracy mission started last March, and the destroyers Takanami and Ominato have been on patrol since November.
"Communications get complicated as the number of antipiracy vessels increase, but we are trying to improve," said Cmdr. Takashi Saito, the skipper of the Hamagiri.
