Russian tanker repelled pirate attack in Indian Ocean

18.02.2011 Crew of Russian tanker NS Century belonging to JSC Novoship (member of company grouping Sovkomflot) repelled attack of armed people in the Indian Ocean, reported RIA Novosti referring to the shipowner's press service.

The incident happened on Feb 16 forty nautical miles off India. The tanker's crew noticed three boats heading towards the ship, and then the all-ship alarm was given.

"When armed guards who were on board made a series of cautionary shots, the boats turned back and sailed away. Although it was not confirmed there were pirates in boats, the company's directors thanked the shipmaster and crew of NS Century for vigilance and expertise", reported the press service.

Company grouping Sovkomflot is the world's fifth largest tanker company in terms of the fleet available. Russian government holds 100% shares of the company which comprises 132 vessels (126 of them are property of the steamship company). Overall deadweight is over 9.4 mln tons; active shipbuilding program implies 28 vessels with overall deadweight of 2.8 mln tons.