A Barbados-flagged bulk carrier successfully repelled two pirate attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, ensuring crew safety and vessel security.
A Barbados-flagged handysize bulk carrier successfully repelled two pirate approaches in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as reported by Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
The 31,896-dwt vessel was pursued by small craft that opened fire while transiting the narrow waterway linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Armed guards on board returned fire, preventing any boarding attempts.
The private maritime security firm Diaplous Group confirmed that the bulker came under attack twice, with the crew remaining unharmed. The pirates in skiffs were driven off by the security team, allowing the ship to continue its voyage safely.
The Bobik is a Barbados-flagged dry bulk carrier, measuring approximately 175 meters in length and 29 meters in beam. Century Shipmanagement SA serves as the commercial manager, while Euromed Shipmanagement Ltd is the registered owner.
The vessel was taking precautions by carrying armed guards aboard and had posted a warning on its AIS. It later changed the message on the AIS to read 'Chinese crew.'
Initial reports indicated that the vessel had been approached by as many as 15 skiffs while it was 15 nautical miles west of Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. UKMTO reports that the captain noted some of the small boats came within 500 to 1,000 feet of the bulker. The armed security guards fired on the boats, prompting the ship to alter its course.
Although the small boats moved away from the bulker, reports indicate that several of them circled back and approached the vessel again. The Bobik has continued on its course, with the crew remaining on high alert.
