Asia/Pacific News
Bunker Pirates in Suspected Second Orkim Attack as Another Product Tanker Goes Missing off Malaysia
Orkim Harmony, a product tanker belonging to Malaysia's Orkim Group has gone missing approximately 17 nautical miles (nm) southwest of Pulau Aur, Malaysia, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has reported.
Several media reports and industry commentators have said a bunker pirate attack is likely behind the disappearance of Orkim Harmony which was carrying 6,000 metric tonnes of ULG 95 (petrol) when contact was lost on Thursday evening.
The Orkim Harmony's sister vessel, Orkim Victory, last week was also targeted by bunker pirates while transiting the same area, eight nm off the coast of Pu Aur.
According to ReCAAP's latest report, during that incident the bunker pirates made off with 770 metric tonnes of Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO).
"Ship masters and crew are advised to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting the area," said the organization.
Both the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Indonesian Navy have been reportedly deployed.
ReCAAP has requested that all vessels be on the lookout for the Orkim Harmony and to report all sightings to the nearest coastal state.
Earlier this month, it was reported that in the same week that the Orkim Victory was targeted, pirates also unsuccessfully attacked a bulk carrier.
