Burst! A bulk carrier was attacked by pirates

• Previous
• Next

On January 27, 2024, a bulk carrier was attacked by suspected pirates about 700 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman.

The bulk carrier was described as being approached by a blue and grey Somali-style dinghy with 3-4 people on board.
Armed security guards on the bulk carrier observed through binoculars that there were RPG and AK45 type weapons on the dinghy.
The armed security guards on the bulk carrier displayed their weapons to the dinghies, and so did the men on the dinghies. Armed security guards fired three warning shots as the dinghy continued to approach, and the dinghy opened fire and continued to approach.
The armed security team on board returned fire, firing 19 rounds when they were about 300 metres from the bulk carrier, and the boat stopped approaching and turned towards a suspected pirate mother ship.
It is confirmed that the ship and crew are safe. Vessels in the area are advised to remain vigilant, avoid the area as much as possible, and ensure that all anti-piracy best management measures are in place.