A Turkish owned ship flying the Maltese flag and carrying a cargo of Israel Chemicals Ltd. (TASE: ICL) phosphates and potash has been seized by pirates. The ship had left Ashdod and was en route to Thailand when it was boarded by pirates off the Somali coast. No Israelis were on board.

The ship had sailed into Ashdod port two weeks ago with a cargo of sulfur for Negev Star Ltd. and had subsequently loaded up with the phosphates and potash.

There are reportedly 19 Turkish crew members and 2 Ukrainians.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 23, 2010

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