JULY 9, 2013 — EU Naval Force says that the Malaysian flagged Motor Vessel MV Albedo, held by armed pirates at an anchorage close to the Somali Coast, has sunk in rough seas.

MV Albedo (File photo)

MV Albedo has been in pirate hands since it was pirated approximately 900 nautical miles East of Mogadishu in the early hours of November 26, 2010. It was in pirate hands when it sank.

An EU Naval Force warship and Maritime Patrol Aircraft have closed the sea area and are carrying out a Search and Rescue operation to search for any survivors. The whereabouts of the 15 crew members from MV Albedo is still to be confirmed.

EU Naval Force continues to monitor the situation.