Pirates have hijacked an Iranian bulk carrier a huge distance from the Somali coastline.
A gang snatched the 63,400-dwt Eglantine (built 2000) today right at the eastern edge of the region covered by anti-piracy naval forces in the Indian Ocean, TradeWinds has learned.
A crew of 23 are understood to be on board the vessel however, their nationalities are unclear at this stage.
Sources suggest the vessel is carrying a cargo of sugar which it loaded in Rio de Janeiro.
While the hit at position 07 00 N 069 49 E is closer to India than Somalia, experts note pirates have previously operated successfully in the area.
“It is safe to say it is not usual, but we have seen it happen before,” a source told TradeWinds.
Hafiz Darya Shipping Co of Tehran is the owner of the ship.
