A Euronav tanker prevented a boarding by suspected pirates in the Gulf of Guinea after shots were fired, then warded off a second potential incident a week later, according to agency reports.
The initial attack involving the 159,000-dead weight Cap Theodora (built 2008) took place in the Gulf of Guinea on penultimate Monday while the ship was in ballast.
An armed skiff attacked the tanker as she headed towards the USAN FPSO terminal off Nigeria.
“The vessel was fully prepared and responded as per company security instructions,” Euronav said.
“The attackers were not able to board the vessel and abandoned the attack after about 20 minutes. There were no injuries to the crew or serious damage to the vessel as a result.”
According to Euronav, a week later, on Monday, after completion of loading operations in the area, the vessel departed and the Master again activated anti-piracy measures as a precaution after a suspicious skiff was identified close by.
“No shots were fired and after some 20 minutes the skiff moved away from the vessel,” it added.
The tanker was then escorted by a security patrol boat from a nearby terminal for an hour.
“The crew is in good health and good spirit, and the vessel is in a fully operational condition proceeding with the voyage,” Eoronav said, congratulating the Master, officers and crew for their vigilance and effective response.
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