SECURITY contractors, aboard what is believed to be a fully laden Sinopec crude oil tanker, engaged eight pirates attacking from two skiffs in a fire fight 230 miles off the Somali coast, reports London's Tanker Operator.
The Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), based at the EU Naval Force Operations Centre in London, issued an alert about the whereabouts and nature of the attack, to warn other ships transiting the area to be vigilant.
"The attack demonstrates that there is still a clear and present danger from pirates off the Somali coast," said EUNAVOR operations commander Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant.
"It is crucial that naval counter-piracy forces maintain pressure on these criminals and that the maritime industry remains vigilant, taking appropriate precautions to deter an attack," he said.
Meanwhile, a Thai-flagged oil tanker, which was reported missing for two days after being hijacked by pirates near Singapore, was released with its cargo of marine gasoil missing, said the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
The IMB's Kuala Lumpur-based piracy centre said the vessel, believed to be the Danae 4, became uncontactable after leaving Singapore four days earlier.
"The pirates stole its cargo and damaged the ship's communication equipment. All crew are safe," the centre said.
SAFETY&SECURITY
21 October 2013 - 22:29
Security contractors repulse pirate attack in fire fight off Somalia
SECURITY contractors, aboard what is believed to be a fully laden Sinopec crude oil tanker, engaged eight pirates attacking from two skiffs in a fire fight 230 miles off the Somali coast, reports London's Tanker Operator.
SAFETY&SECURITY
21 October 2013 - 22:29
Security contractors repulse pirate attack in fire fight off Somalia
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