An apparent pirate attack on the 74,000 dwt Liber-lan-flag Panamax tanker Lia was thwarted thanks to swift action by Chinese naval forces escorting the ship, according to the ship's commercial manager. Amsterdam-based Seaarland Shipping Management said the tanker was in the Gulf of Aden at 0900 hrs on Feb. 24 under naval escort when it was forced to stop due to an engine malfunction. At 0935hrs, the officer of the watch detected on radar two high-speed craft approaching the tanker, which was carrying a load of naptha destined for China. The Master raised the alarm on board and the crew took action under the vessel's security plan. The Master asked the Chinese warship for immediate helicopter assistance, which arrived on the scene within minutes of the request. The helicopter positioned itself over the craft and the craft then ceased their approach to the Lia.
展开▼
