EU Naval Force can confirm that earlier today, Friday 11 October 2013, a fully laden super tanker, known as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), was fired upon by eight armed men in two ‘skiffs’ 230 miles off the Somali coast.

The attack was successfully repelled by the Armed Security Team on board the super tanker and the vessel is now safe.

The Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), based at the EU Naval Force Operations Centre, Northwood, UK, has issued an alert about the whereabouts and nature of the attack, to warn other ships transiting the area to be vigilant.

Speaking about the incident, the Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant said “The attack this morning demonstrates that there is still a clear and present danger from pirates off the Somali coast.  It is crucial that naval counter-piracy forces maintain pressure on these criminals and that the maritime industry remains vigilant, taking appropriate precautions to deter an attack.”