A supertanker loaded with two million barrels of oil has been seized in the world's biggest hijack.
The Sirius Star, which only launched in March, is one of the biggest supertankers in the world. However it only took a handful of Somalian pirates in a tiny vessel to hijack her with grappling hooks.
There have been 30 attacks by Somalian pirates this year and as a result, the UN has created a special lane which is patrolled by Nato navy vessels.
However the Sirius Star was 450 nautical miles away from the lane when it was attacked.
The Sirius Star is the biggest ship ever to be captured. At 350 metres long, five jumbo jets could be parked on its deck.
The vessel is capable of carrying around $180 million worth of oil - more than a third of Saudi Arabia's daily production.
Nato's commander, General John Craddock, wants permission to use force against the pirates.
"I've asked for rules of engagement that would allow the Nato forces if they receive an SOS or they see an attack against a ship to come to their aid," General Craddock told media.
Capable of travelling at twice the size of a container ship, the smaller pirate vessels are often difficult to detect.
"Once they're on board you hand it over to the pirates and the ship is taken typically to Somalia where negotiations start for ransom," Kees Buckens from the NZ Maritime School explains.
There has been discussion of having ships travelling in convoys. However that will take longer for vessels to make the journey to their destinations.
The cost of insuring the ships is also going to increase, which will mean higher prices at the tills for consumers.
3 News