Crew Splashed Boiled Water on Pirates to Thwart Attack

The crew of the Philippine-flagged cargo ship M/V Kudos 1 managed to repel a pirate attack on Friday, February 16, by splashing boiled water on the men who were trying to board the vessel.

The move prompted the pirates to open fire on the ship and its 27 crew members. However, boarding was prevented.

The vessel, which lost propulsion on Friday evening, was approached by armed men equipped with assorted high powered firearms onboard three motorbancas at around 4.4 nautical miles South East off Sibago Island, Basilan, the Philippines.

The incident resulted in a minor hand injury of one of the vessel’s crew members, which was ascribed to the ship’s glass debris. The rest of the crew are reported to be safe.

Once informed of the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched a response vessel to the spot to render assistance. Another vessel was sent to patrol the area and look for the perpetrators, but the pirates were not located.

“First aid was immediately rendered to the injured person by the PCG medical team who boarded the cargo vessel together with other personnel who conducted the initial investigation,” the Philippine Coast Guard informed.

“We were pleased that the crew did not lose their presence of mind. Their raw courage enabled them to pour hot water to the pirates who were already attempting to climb the vessel,” Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said.

“Their action was also instrumental in foiling the seajacking attempt.”

M/V Kudos was carrying assorted steel bars from Kudos Private Pier Panacan Davao City bound for Manila North Harbour when it was attacked.

The ship was escorted to Zamboanga City achorage where it is moored.