The Indonesian police arrested three men suspected of hijacking the Indonesian-flagged M/T Rehoboth. On January 28, nine men wielding knives boarded the tanker that was transporting about 1,100 tons of fuel. The 14 crewmembers were taken as hostages by the pirates who then changed the course of the ship. On January 31st, the authorities found the crew off Lembeh Island drifting on liferafts.
On February 23rd, Philippines Coast Guard found the ship, without its cargo, grounded near Mati City, Philippines.
Of the 13 suspects, six members of the gang are still at large, while four are already on trial. La Ade, a fugitive being sought in another incident of fuel siphoning in 2013 is suspected to be the gang leader, according to North Sulawesi Marine Police.
Source: IHS Maritime 360
