Asia/Pacific News
Tanker Hijacked by Bunker Pirates Found in Philippines
An Indonesian-flagged chemical tanker which was hijacked by bunker pirates late last month has been found grounded in the Southern Philippines, The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has said.
The MT Rehobot was reportedly attacked by eight pirates armed with long knives on January 28, 2015 as it left Indonesia with roughly 1,100 tonnes of diesel.
On January 31, the ship's 14 crew members were found drifting in life rafts by Indonesian authorities.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, reports of a grounded ship came in early this week, with the MT Rehobot subsequently found in Brgy Cabuaya.
Authorities said an initial investigation found signs of spillage of an unknown substance aboard the ship.
It was reported at the time of the hijacking that no ransom was issued and no organised crime syndicates claimed responsibility for the attack.
