Following EU NAVFOR’s previous press release of yesterday (Longest range pirate attack), it has emerged that the BW Lion took robust self protection anti piracy measures ensuring that she stayed out of the clutches of the pirates.
Around noon local time, 9 November 2009 the BW Lion, a Hong Kong flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) (Oil Tanker) was attacked by pirates in two fast attack skiffs in the Indian Ocean, 400 nautical miles North East of the Seychelles and 1000 nautical miles East of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired at the bridge during the attack. There were no casualties.
The Master was in constant contact with UKMTO (Dubai) for the duration of the attack which lasted nearly two hours. Through a combination of evasive maneuvering, vessel maintaining full sea speed, the effective use of water hoses and anti boarding measures against the pirates attempting to board the vessel, the master and crew were able to prevent the pirates getting a foothold onto the ship and taking control.
The crew of the BW Lion should be commended for their calm, professional seamanship under the considerable pressure during this dangerous attack.
Further Information
Press Release: "Longest range pirate attack on Crude Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean" - November 9, 2009,
http://eunavfor.eu/news/longest-range-pirate-attack-crude-oil-tanker-indian-ocean/
News: "EU NAVFOR merchant navy liason officers (MNLO) commend MV BW LIONS actions" - November 10, 2009,
http://eunavfor.eu/news/eu-navfor-merchant-navy-liason-officers-commend-mv-bw-lions-actions
Around noon local time, 9 November 2009 the BW Lion, a Hong Kong flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) (Oil Tanker) was attacked by pirates in two fast attack skiffs in the Indian Ocean, 400 nautical miles North East of the Seychelles and 1000 nautical miles East of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired at the bridge during the attack. There were no casualties.
The Master was in constant contact with UKMTO (Dubai) for the duration of the attack which lasted nearly two hours. Through a combination of evasive maneuvering, vessel maintaining full sea speed, the effective use of water hoses and anti boarding measures against the pirates attempting to board the vessel, the master and crew were able to prevent the pirates getting a foothold onto the ship and taking control.
The crew of the BW Lion should be commended for their calm, professional seamanship under the considerable pressure during this dangerous attack.
Further Information
Press Release: "Longest range pirate attack on Crude Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean" - November 9, 2009,
http://eunavfor.eu/news/longest-range-pirate-attack-crude-oil-tanker-indian-ocean/
News: "EU NAVFOR merchant navy liason officers (MNLO) commend MV BW LIONS actions" - November 10, 2009,
http://eunavfor.eu/news/eu-navfor-merchant-navy-liason-officers-commend-mv-bw-lions-actions