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Armed pirates have
kidnapped five crew members from an offshore support vessel in the latest
pirate attack off Brass, Nigeria.
kidnapped five crew members from an offshore support vessel in the latest
pirate attack off Brass, Nigeria.
According to data provided
by IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, pirates armed with machine guns in two speed
boats approached the unnamed vessel while it was underway some 32 nautical
miles off the coast of Brass, midday on March 9.
by IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, pirates armed with machine guns in two speed
boats approached the unnamed vessel while it was underway some 32 nautical
miles off the coast of Brass, midday on March 9.
The ship’s Captain
immediately notified the naval escort security boat which maneuvered to engage
the attackers. One speed boat closed in from port side of the vessel and
crossed the bow, while the other speed boat exchanged fire with the security
boat.
immediately notified the naval escort security boat which maneuvered to engage
the attackers. One speed boat closed in from port side of the vessel and
crossed the bow, while the other speed boat exchanged fire with the security
boat.
Alarm was raised and the
crew went to the engine room, while all power was shut down.
crew went to the engine room, while all power was shut down.
The pirates boarded the
vessel with the aid of an elongated ladder and broke into the accommodation,
vandalized the cabins and took crew belongings and vessel’s properties.
vessel with the aid of an elongated ladder and broke into the accommodation,
vandalized the cabins and took crew belongings and vessel’s properties.
They then proceeded to the engine
room, kidnapped five men and escaped. The remaining crew members sailed the
vessel under escort to a safe anchorage.
room, kidnapped five men and escaped. The remaining crew members sailed the
vessel under escort to a safe anchorage.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
added that one Nigerian Navy armed guard was reported killed in the exchange of
fire between the naval security boat and the pirates.
added that one Nigerian Navy armed guard was reported killed in the exchange of
fire between the naval security boat and the pirates.
Relevant authorities have
launched an investigation into the incident.
launched an investigation into the incident.
World Maritime News
