Asia/Pacific News
Pirates Steal Another Diesel Cargo in Southeast Asia
Pirates stole the oil cargo from a Thai tanker that was traveling from Singapore to Pontianak, Indonesia, the AFP news agency reports, citing the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
The diesel oil tanker MT Orapin 4 lost contact with its owner after leaving Singapore last Tuesday.
"Pirates hijacked and stole the tanker's oil cargo onboard and destroyed the communication equipment," IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre said.
The attackers later released the tanker, which arrived safely in Thailand on Sunday with all 14 crew members.
Piracy Reporting Centre head Noel Choong said the specifics of the hijacking, including the exact location, are under investigation.
Between January and March, 23 actual or attempted attacks in Southeast Asian waters were reported, most of them off Indonesia.
The IMB reported two pirate attacks off Malaysia in late April.
