A K Line capesize had to take evasive action to avoid being targeted by pirates off Singapore early on Friday, it has emerged.
The four boats are said to have chased after the 185,827-dwt Cape Med (built 2006) in an attempt to board the vessel.
The ship’s captain took evasive measures by increasing speed and adopting zigzag manoeuvres in an effort to thwart the attack.
The crew are said to have mustered on the bridge and shouted at the pirates and flashed large torches at the approaching boats.
After about thirty minutes the pirates are said to have aborted their attempt to board and left. No crew members were injured in the incident.
Details of the incident were disclosed by the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre.
This is the eighth incident reported off Pulau Nipa since January this year, the Singapore-based ReCAAP said.
Most of the previous incidents have targeted tugs towing barges. In most cases the pirates have been armed with long knives or machetes.
“Given the modus operandi of the robbers, it is possible that the same group was involved in the incidents and that they may strike again as they could still be lurking in the area,” ReCAAP said.
ReCAAP has warned masters operating in the vicinity to “maintain vigilance at all times” and take necessary precautions.
