One Dead in Another Tanker Attack Off Nigeria
Original Source: Maritime Executive
One Filipino crewman has been fatally shot by a Nigerian pirate aboard the chemical tanker, PYXIS DELTA.
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Pyxis Delta Attacked - Photo: MarineTraffic.com
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The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines (DFA) confirmed that the mariner was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The PYXIS DELTA was attacked on Monday off Nigeria’s coast. The other 8 Filipino crewmembers are safe aboard the vessel, which is anchored, as they await their repatriation back to Manila.
An exchange of gunfire took place as armed pirates boarded the vessel around 0040 Local Time whilst at anchorage. The embarked armed security team activated anti-piracy measures and the pirates managed to escape, says Pyxis Maritime.
Exact details of the incident are still vague but the issue of the actions of the armed guards may raise further questions in this instance.
The Philippine government is working continuously with ship owners and operators to secure the freedom of the Filipinos, according to GMA News.
At least 23 Filipino seafarers remain in the hands of ransom-seeking pirates in Somalia. Piracy and ransom kidnappings of Filipino sailors continue to be a problem for the Philippine government as it lacks the capability to monitor their movements when at sea. As a policy, the Philippine government does not negotiate nor pay ransom to kidnappers, but gives ship owners the free hand in negotiating for the release of abducted Filipino sailors.
The PYXIS DELTA is an oil/chemical tanker built in 2006 at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. It is flagged by Marshall Islands and classed by DNV. Dubai-based ITM Holding owns and manages the vessel. The PYXIS DELTA was formerly the GAN VENTURE until March 2010.
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