In the last decade, shipping off the coast of Somalia was subjected to relentless pirate attacks - the numbers peaking in 2011 with 176 reported cases.
Pirates Operate off Somali Coast
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As part of the EU Naval Force Somalia, the German Frigate 'Hamburg' patrols after destroying two fishing boats (L) which were discovered floating keel side up in open waters off the coast of Somalia, August 15, 2011.