Bulk carrier attacked by pirates
A Panama-flag bulk carrier carrying bags of cement was attacked by pirates Monday morning in the Gulf of Aden.
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, which protects ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, said the Suez reported being under small arms fire from a pirate attack and minutes later that pirates were on board.
“After notification of the attack, attempts were made to make contact with the Suez but to no avail,” EUNAVFOR said. It added the ship was traveling in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) when attacked. Immediately after the first report a helicopter was directed to the ship but pirates had already taken over the command of the vessel.
The 17,300-deadweight-ton ship had a crew of 23 with seafarers from Egypt, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.