A number of pirates were repelled from boarding a container ship as they approached the vessel in five skiffs while it was underway in the Gulf of Aden, according to data released from IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.
Namely, the pirates were interrupted in their intent when a security team from Solace Global, which was protecting the boxship, fired warning shots and the vessel took evasive action on May 16 off the Southern coast of Yemen.
The Master raised the alarm, increased speed and crew mustered as the pirates reportedly came within 90 metres of the vessel, approaching from astern.
“Master contacted the authorities and a nearby Japanese warship dispatched its helicopter, which resulted in the skiffs aborting and moving away,” IMB PRC said.
IMB earlier said that vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean need to stay particularly vigilant, as the area remains in a fragile state and the potential for an attack continues to be high.
World Maritime News Staff