Asia/Pacific News
Lube Oil Tanker Hijacked off Malaysia
A lube oil tanker had its cargo stolen by pirates off the coast of Malaysia Thursday night, industry news site Marine Insight reports based on information from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
Six pirates armed with guns boarded the Thailand-registered tanker, which was en route from Singapore to Bankok carrying 1,396 tonnes of lube oil.
The attackers took control of the vessel, sailed for about 10 nautical miles, and forced the crew to transfer the cargo to two other tankers.
The pirates stole personal belongings from the crew and damaged the ship's navigational and communications systems.
No crew was injured in the attack, and the ship was able to sail to the shore and report the incident.
Regional authorities have expressed concern that pirate attacks are on the rise in Southeast Asia.
