Dutch sending escort ship to Somali coast

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The Dutch government said Tuesday it is sending another ship to the coast of Somalia, where pirates have seized more than two dozen vessels this year.

The frigate De Ruyter is being dispatched to protect U.N. food transports from pirates, Radio Netherlands reported. It is expected to arrive off the Somali coast at the end of the month.

From April to June, another Dutch frigate escorted shipments of food intended for more than 1 million refugees in Somalia, the broadcaster said.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue over the Ukrainian ship seized Sept. 25 by Somali pirates, Voice of America reported. U.S. warships are in the area to prevent the unloading of the ship's cargo of tanks and other heavy arms.

A Russian missile frigate is en route to join the blockade and the European Union has voted to take a military action.

The Somali government, facing infighting and insurgency, has sought international assistance in to combat piracy in its waters, VOA said.