U.N. help sought to halt Somalian pirates

MOGADISHU, Somalia, April 24 (UPI) -- The United States and France are reported drafting U.N. resolutions aimed at halting pirates swarming off the Somali coast.

Attacks on fishing boats, cargo ships and yachts have surged in recent months as gangs search for victims to hold for ransom, the BBC reports. But, authorities say help from other countries may be on the way, partly buoyed by a desire to keep nearby vital shipping lanes safe.

The resolutions being drafted would authorize countries to capture pirates when they flee into territorial waters.

The move followed a French commando raid on pirates who had released 30 hostages on a luxury yacht for a ransom estimated at $2 million earlier this month.

In the latest incident, an attack Tuesday on an oil ranker under the Italian flag was foiled by the Italian navy. Incidents involving Spain and Dubai were among others reported. There were 31 attacks reported off the Somali coast and officials expected that figure to grow.