Pirates hijack tug and barge in Indonesian waters

Indonesia: Pirates have hijacked a third tug and barge in Southeast Asian waters. The Malaysian-flagged tug, Atlantic 5, towing barge Atlantic 3, was sailing between Johor, Malaysia, and South Kalimantan, Indonesia, when its owners lost contact with the vessels at about 17-26hrs on April 27. The last known position of the vessels was 11nm east of Bintan island, according to ReCAAP. Malaysian, Indonesian and Philippines authorities have been alerted to look for the missing vessels. It is the third hijacking of a tug and barge in Southeast Asian waters this year. [03/04/10]