Pirates attack Taiwan fishing boats

Three Taiwan fishing boats have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia, with pirates threatening to kill the crews unless ship-owners pay a total ransom of US$1.5 million.

The Chung Yi 218, Cheng Ching Feng and Hsin Lien Feng 36 were seized separately in mid-August, said Taiwanese spokesman Michel Lu.

"We received the appeal for help," Lu said. "There are about 20 crew members on board each ship."