Hijackers have demanded a ransom for the Finnish-owned vessel Arctic Sea. The ransom has yet to be verified as genuine. The Russian-manned vessel disappeared off radar two weeks ago after passing through the English Channel. The 4,000 ton Maltese-flagged ship was carrying a load of timber and was due into port on Aug.4 in Algeria. Solchart Management in Finland received a ransom demand that was characterized as being “not huge, but let’s say it’s significant.” It is unclear where the vessel is, who is behind the hijacking and even if the demand is real. Three different police groups -- Finnish, Maltese and Swedish police --are investigating the matter. What does seem clear is that the problem of piracy may have just gotten bigger.
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