Car Carrier Escapes Pirate Attack

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) reported that its operated car carrier Jasmine Ace was fired on by pirates in two high-speed boats about 480 miles (about 900km) east of Somalia around at 22:10 JST on Sunday, March 22 (local time: 16:10 on March 22). The ship sustained some damage to the hull, but quickly accelerated and took evasive action such as zigzagging. After about 40 minutes, the pirates gave up chasing her at 22:50 on Sunday, March 22.

No one was injured in the attack, and no oil leaked from the hull. Bullets also damaged some windows in the wheelhouse, but the Jasmine Ace continues under its own power, and is now proceeding toward safer waters.

Details of Jasmine Ace:
Gross tonnage    13,038 tons
Length    416 ft
Flagship    Cayman Islands, United Kingdom Antilles
Year built    1995
Seafarers    18 Filipinos
Cargo    377 used cars

The vessel loaded the cars at the port of Sharjah in United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, March 17, and was under way to Mombasa, Kenya.

(www.MOLpower.com)