According to figures from the London-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB), piracy attacks around the world more than doubled inthe first six months of 2009 with 240 cases being reported, up from 114 in the same period last year.

The IMB attributed the rise in piracy mainly to attacks off the coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden, southern Red Sea, east coast of Oman and Arabian Sea, where 148 out the 240 piracy attacks took place.

In July the Bahrain-based US Navy 5th Fleet Command warned against increased pirate activity off the Somali coast when the monsoon season ends.

The fleet had established a combined task force in January to conduct counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Somalia basin.

NATO and European Union forces are also working in the area to combat piracy. Russia, China, and India also sent warships to the area to help protect and convoy vessels flying their flags.