Miraculous Rescue Operation Thwarts Somali Pirate Attack on Bangladeshi Ship
Last Updated on March 12, 2024 12:56 pm
In a daring turn of events, a Bangladeshi-flagged ocean-going vessel named MV ABDULLAH narrowly escaped a hijacking attempt by 50 Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean two days ago. The vessel, owned by SR Shipping, a Chattogram-based company, was en route from Mozambique to Dubai when it fell victim to the pirates in what was considered a low-risk area.
“The ship managed to send a message to its company around 1:30 pm, saying everyone was safe,” Meherul Karim, CEO of SR Shipping, confirmed in a statement at around 4:35 pm.
The ABDULLAH, a bulk carrier with a length overall (LOA) of 185.74 meters and a width of 30.4 meters, managed to evade capture and change course while maintaining contact with its parent company. “We are actively working to rescue all crew members following established protocols,” Karim added.
At the time of the incident, the ship was located 450 nautical miles away from the coast, raising concerns about the pirates’ ability to extend their reach into traditionally low-risk areas.
The dramatic turn of events was revealed by Atique Ua Khan, a Bangladesh Navy captain from Bangladesh Marine Academy’s 27th batch, in a Facebook post at 4:41 pm. A crew member of ABDULLAH reached out to Khan for help, providing critical information about the situation.
According to Khan’s Facebook post, approximately 50 armed pirates had taken control of the vessel and diverted it toward the vicinity of Somalia. “There are 7 ex-BMA cadets on the ship,” Khan wrote, listing the crew members along with their respective batches.
This incident brings back memories of a similar attack in December 2010 when the MV Jahan Moni, with 25 Bangladeshi crew members, was pursued and attacked near the Lakshadweep group of islands, approximately 300 km (185 miles) from the Indian coast.
The latest rescue operation showcases the resilience and effectiveness of anti-piracy measures, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by maritime vessels in navigating through piracy-prone regions. The international maritime community is likely to reassess security protocols in response to this near-miss incident, as concerns grow about the expanding reach of Somali pirates.