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Maersk Container Ship Thwarts Pirate Attack in Gulf of Oman

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

May 24, 2012

An onboard security team repelled an attack by pirates in several boats who fired at 'Maersk Texas' north-east of Fujairah

The US flag vessel Maersk Texas thwarted an attack by multiple pirate skiffs while transiting the Gulf of Oman, northeast of Fujairah, after leaving the Strait of Hormuz accprdomg to 'The National'.

The security team fired warning shots when, despite cautionary signals, numerous skiffs with armed men in each boat quickly closed on Maersk Texas.

When the skiffs continued to directly approach the multipurpose vessel, the team fired shots at the pirates. The pirates then fired at the ship, and the security team returned fire.

All sailors on board were safe, and the vessel has proceeded on its voyage to the US, said Kevin Speers, a senior director of marketing for the Maersk Line.

Clarifying reports that the Iranian navy had helped repel the attack, Mr Speers said: "The Iranian navy responded to Maersk Texas's distress signal but was never on scene."



 

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