Oil Tanker Averts Pirate Attack Off Nigeria
On June 6, an oil tanker suffered an aborted pirate attack between the coast of Togo and Nigeria. The pirate vessel with 2 skiffs on each side, was chasing the tanker in an attempt to board it.
The oil tanker reacted swiftly by conducting some evasive manoeuvres besides increasing the speed of the vessel to its maximum. Water jet and fog horn were also used to scare the attackers away. After nearly 20 minutes of chase, the pirate vessel reportedly gave up the chase.
The pirate vessel was 60 meters long with a grey hull, 2 black skiffs one at sea level and the other housed.
The oil tanker was heavily loaded and was on its course between the coast of Togo and Nigeria when the incident happened.
All crew members were reported safe. Vessels traversing this region are advised to operate with a heightened level of security and encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
Source: MTISC-GOG
