The 4,496 TEU containership Maersk Cotonou was attacked by supposed criminals attempting to board the vessel off the Nigerian coast on November 19, Danish shipping giant Maersk Line has confirmed.
Maersk said that the 2011-built vessel was attacked at 10am local time while it was en route to Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The containership applied counter piracy measures and the attack was unsuccessful.
The crew and cargo are safe, Maersk said, adding that the containership has resumed its voyage.
Maersk Cotonou started its journey from Nigeria’s Onne port on November 19.
UK-based security broker agency Asket said up to eight criminals approached the boxship in a speed boat.
The attempted attack is believed to have been carried out by the same pirates who tried to attack an inbound convoy earlier the same day.
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