( CNN ) -- Pirates have struck again , this time capturing a Greek cargo ship in waters off Somalia on Thursday evening , a Greek government spokesman said . The ship was seized in the Gulf of Aden on its way to South Korea with a load of iron , an official with Greece 's Merchant Marine Ministry said . The ship , the `` Titan , '' has a crew of 24 and is owned by Albamar Shipping , the official said . Seventeen crew members are Filipino , three are Greek , three are Romanian and one is Ukrainian , the official said . Pirating off the coast of Somalia has increased over the past four or five years as fishermen from Somalia realize that pirating is more lucrative . The crime , which is hard to prevent , has raised concerns internationally . In 2008 , pirates attacked nearly 100 vessels and hijacked as many as 40 off Somalia , according to the International Maritime Bureau . In response , two Japanese destroyers set sail last week on an anti-piracy mission off Somalia , the Japanese defense ministry said .
Pirates seize Greek cargo ship the `` Titan '' off Somlia , crew of 24 on board . Nearly 100 vessels were attacked by pirates in 2008 , many off Somalia . Two Japanese destroyers set sail on anti-piracy mission off Somalia last week .