Pirates attack cargo ship off Somalia

MERKA, Somalia, May 19 (UPI) -- A World Food Program contract worker was killed Saturday while rescuing a cargo ship under attack by pirates after it had delivered food aid to Somalia.

A Kenyan maritime official confirmed the MV Victoria, under contract with the relief program, was attacked near Merka port, the Xinhua news agency reported.

"While en route to Kismayo, pirates attacked her with small and heavy guns," said Andrew Mwangura, coordinator of the Mombasa-based Seafarers Assistance Program. "Luckily, it escaped the attack and returned to original port of discharge (Merka)."

The cargo ship sent out an SOS signal and the local WFP contractor sent two armed boats to the rescue. "During the operation one man from the local WFP contractor was wounded and later died in Merka hospital," Mwangura said. "There is no apparent damage at vessel and all the crew are safe and sound, as the master of the vessel is waiting for an instruction from his company."

Piracy has become common along the Somalia coast, Xinhua said. The International Maritime Board said more than 10 attacks have occurred inSomali waters this year.