Shippers seek naval blockade of Somali coast

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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (AP): A shipping body and tanker owners from around the world Monday called for a military blockade along the coast of Somalia to intercept pirate vessels heading out to sea.
Peter Swift, managing director of the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, said stronger naval action - including aerial and aviation support - is necessary to battle rampant piracy in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia.
Some 20 tankers sail through the sea lane daily but many tanker owners are considering a massive detour around southern Africa to avoid pirates, which will delay delivery and push cost up by 30 per cent, he said.