Falcon Fear

Fears are growing as pirates have boarded the 54,924-dwt Falcon Trader II (built 2009) in the Arabian Sea.

On first report the crew were understood to be in a citadel and the pirates were not yet in control of the vessel. It is understood that armed forces have responded and a helicopter has been dispatched the situation is tense and ongoing.

Contact was lost with the Nisshin Shipping bulker this morning and rumours of a hijacking began to circulate.

A Greek bulker in the vicinity overheard VHF exchanges and relayed an SOS call from the Falcon Trader II to military forces in the area.

While it is understood that armed forces have responded and a helicopter has been dispatched. The situation is tense and ongoing – the citadel could potentially keep the crew safe for up to three days, however pirates are evolving tactics to break into these safe rooms.