Pirates hijack tanker off Indonesia

Another oil tanker targeted by the region’s pirates. 

Pirates hijack tanker off Indonesia

The IMB reports that an oil tanker was hijacked by armed pirates on April 1st, possibly the worst seasonal joke of the day for the region.

The report states that between 15 and 20 pirates armed with pistols boarded the unnamed vessel whilst it was underway off Pulau Uwi, Indonesia. They took the crew hostage and stole personal belongings before transferring the ship’s cargo to another tanker. Prior to escaping, the pirates destroyed communications and navigation equipment, standard procedure for gangs in the region.

Despite the efforts of regional naval forces, small tankers transiting the region are still subject to regular hijackings. Last year saw a number of high profile hijackings and this year the pattern remains the same.