The pirates attacked the ship 450 nautical miles out to sea with rocket-propelled grenades, starting a fire on board. The crew was able to put out the fire and increased speed to escape, an International Maritime Bureau official told the news organization.
The attack is further evidence that pirates are expanding their zone of operation beyond the Gulf of Aden, first off the East Coast of Somalia, then south to Kenya and Tanzania. Somali pirates captured a Saudi supertanker loaded with oil about 450 miles off of Kenya three weeks ago.
Media outlets also reported that a Danish warship rescued seven suspected pirates adrift with a broken motor on their speedboat. The Danish crew provided provisions, confiscated rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 assault rifles and sank the speedboat after picking up the Somali pirates 90 miles off the coast of Yemen, but did not arrest them.
The Danish vessel is part of a loose multinational flotilla patrolling the Gulf of Aden to prevent pirate attacks.
The Danish Navy said it followed international obligations to help ships in distress but did not make any arrests because the men were not caught in an act of piracy. The Somali men instead were handed over to the Yemen coast guard.
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now