The tanker Khatanga, which belongs to the Murmansk Shipping Company and was transporting oil, was attacked by pirates 20 miles off the Nigerian coast: the tanker succeeded in escaping the attack, and no one was injured, a source in the company told Ria Novosti on Tuesday.
“An unidentified fishing boat sailing not far from the Khatanga abruptly changed course and began an approach. Flood lights were turned on on the tanker and an alert call was issued,” the source said.
According to the source, the fast boat with five pirates aboard began a fast approach.
“When the tanker tried to break away from the boat, the pirates opened fire from machineguns. Anticipating such a development, the captain had asked the crew to take cover in the motor room,” said the source.
According to the source, it took the tanker more than an hour to break away from the pirates. As a result of the sound actions of the crew, no one was injured, and the tanker and its cargo are sound and safe.