Tankship Damaged in Nigeria Pirate Attack

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) notes pirate attacks off Nigeria, Indonesia & Mauritania in past week.

Off the coast of Nigeria
A product tanker under way noticed three skiffs approaching it at high speed. A suspected mother vessel was observed on radar at a distance of around 1.2nm. As the skiffs closed, the duty officer raised alarm and non essential crew mustered in citadel. Vessel commenced evasive manoeuvres and headed towards a nearby oil terminal to seek assistance from naval guard vessels.

A further two skiffs were noticed approaching the vessel and all skiffs fired towards the bridge and accommodation. A RPG was also fired but missed the vessel. The attack lasted fro nearly one hour before the skiffs broke off. Crew safe but vessel sustained damage due to the firing.

Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia
Six robbers armed with knives in a wooden motor boat approached an anchored chemical tanker. One of the robbers attempted to board the tanker by hooking a ladder near the mid ship manifold area. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers and informed the D/O who raised the alarm, sounded ship's whistle and crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and moved away.

Nouadhibou Port, Mauritania
Two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored refrigerated cargo ship while the remaining six robbers remained in the boat. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed. Port control contacted but no response received.