‘Pirates’ firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades have boarded a tanker off the coast of Somalia on Thursday, according to reports.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has issued an alert over the attack, warning ships in the area.
“The Master of a vessel has reported being approached by one small craft on its stern. The small craft fired small arms and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] towards the vessel,” UKMTO said in a statement.
“Unauthorised personnel of the small craft have boarded the vessel.”
The private security firm Ambrey also reported that an attack was under way, saying it targeted a Malta-flagged tanker heading from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.
Ambrey added that it appeared to be an assault by Somali pirates, who have been reported as operating in the area in recent days.
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