Crew Member Dies From Injuries After Vietnamese Tanker Boarded by Pirates
FOR THE first time since 2009, a crew member has died as a result of pirates boarding a 3118 gwt tanker underway in the South China Sea, reports ReCAAP ISC, the Asia regional piracy and armed robbery at sea reporting body.
At approximately 0530 hrs on 7 December, a Vietnam-registered tanker, VP Asphalt 2, with 16 Vietnamese crew, was underway around 20nm southeast of Pulau Aur, Malaysia in the South China Sea when seven pirates armed with guns boarded the vessel. Taking control of VP Asphalt 2, they asked for details of the cargo and even opened hatches to take samples of the cargo, it was reported. The crew were tied up as the pirates went on to then steal crew’s personal belongings. It was reported that, during the raid, the pirates shot and seriously injured one of the crew, who later died from his injuries, before they left the tanker on the same day at about 0645 hrs.
Following the departure of the pirates, the tanker master conducted a check on the crew and discovered that the Third Engineer, Mr Tran Duc Dat, lying on his bed with injuries to his head having been shot in the forehead. The master subsequently informed the owner and agent (based in Singapore); and immediately requested medical assistance.
Around 1021 hrs, the Third Engineer was airlifted via helicopter to a Singapore hospital. Unfortunately, the Third Engineer was pronounced dead at the hospital around 1139 hrs on the same day.
The death of the Third Engineer of VP Asphalt 2 is the first incident in Asia since 2009 that involved the death of a crew member.
Whilst the incident is still under investigation, the advice from ReCAAP ISC is that master and crew are strongly advised to avoid resisting or retaliating against armed perpetrators after they have boarded any vessel, however, ensure that crew remain vigilant, especially during the dark hours.
Original source: ReCAAP ISC
Image via Shipspotting.com
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