Attack Repelled

A local Mission to Seafarers representative has reported that a Crude oil tanker was attacked in Indian Ocean 02 March, 200-300 hundred miles east of Socotra. Pirates opened fire on vessel, which is understood not to have had an embarked security team.

However, when pirates tried to hook ladder onto vessel, five crew members repelled attempt from deck. The master increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Crew of 29 reported to consist of Russians, Filipinos, Poles and Malaysians. No addtional details provided – however this means that a Pirate Action Group is active in this area so caution should be exercised and BMPs adhered to and applied vigorously.