On 15 November 2011, BW Danube evaded a pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden. No injuries to the BW crew or damage to the environment have been reported.
A skiff carrying eight pirates and equipped with a boarding ladder was seen approaching the BW operated vessel at approximately 0418 GMT. A team of security guards onboard responded accordingly, forcing the skiff to abort its attack and return to the mother-ship. Onboard hardening measures and early detection of the skiff by an alert and vigilant BW crew allowed for prompt action and a rapid evasion from danger.
BW’s onshore emergency team and the vessel were in continuous contact with UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) during the attack.
BW Danube was north-east of the Gulf of Aden in position 15-51 N; 055-08 E, approximately 70 miles south of Ras Mirbat, when the incident took place. She was en route from Rabigh, Saudi Arabia to Singapore on loaded passage and has now resumed her original voyage.
About BW Danube BW Danube is a 76,543 dead weight tonne product tanker built in 2007.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, November 17, 2011; Image: BW Maritime