According to an article published in Maritime Bulletin, GISIS reported an unusual piracy attack on a container ship in Ecuador waters.
What happened?
The vessel was en-route from Manta Ecuador to Guayaquil when eight armed robbers in two-speed boats approached a container ship underway. The Master raised the alarm and activated the SSAS.
Pirates board ship
The robbers fired warning shots, managed to board the ship, and opened 15 containers. When the searchlights were directed towards the robbers, they opened fire towards the bridge. Port Control and Coast Guard notified. The robbers stole part of the cargo and escaped.
Crew reported safe
The vessel arrived at Guayaquil on Apr 9, left on Apr 10. The crew was reported safe. It looks like a plotted and planned attack with the aim of obtaining specific goods from specific containers (the ship sailed to Ecuador ports from Balboa Panama). If that is the case, criminals had to know insider information, such as container numbers and locations, and the ship’s plotted movements.
Increase in attacks on ships
At best, this attack is something of an exception, the result of some criminal operation. At worst, such attacks may become regular. Crime is rising throughout the world, many thanks to “fighting virus” insanity, and ships are no exception. On the contrary, ships are most vulnerable to crime subjects, be it stealing, or armed robbery, or hijack.
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Source: MaritimeBulletin
