The first Somali piracy attack in two half years has been confirmed by EU Navfor.
The Offen Tankers chemical carrier CPO Korea was attacked by six armed men 330 nm off the East Coast of Somalia on 22 October.
Confirming the attack EU Navfor said that shots were exchanged by the six armed men on the fast moving skiff and a security team onboard the CPO Korea.
“The suspected pirates eventually broke away after CPO Korea’s crew successfully implemented self-protection measures by increasing speed, altering course and rigging fire hoses to thwart the attack,” EU Navfor said.
It is the first reported piracy attack off Somalia in two and half years and EU Navfor said it was confirmed after a thorough investigation. There have been unconfirmed reports other attempted attacks in the region in the period, mainly by private maritime security companies (PMSCs).
The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force (Somalia), Major General Rob Magowan said: “This attack shows that pirates still have the intent to attack ships for ransom and cause misery to seafarers and their families. It is imperative that the international community remains vigilant.
“The EU Naval Force is working with counter-piracy partners to coordinate efforts to ensure pirates do not once again terrorise the waters off the Somali coast.”
Offen Tankers commented: “Despite the decreasing number of attacks in the region the imminent risk of Somalian piracy still exists and needs to be addressed accordingly by owners and charterers alike.”