A Greek owned 38000 tons chemical tanker, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, this morning was attacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, but could be saved. The brand new vessel “HANDYTANKERS MAGIC”, built in 2009, was en route to Suez, when it was attacked by a pirate skiff roughly 85 nautical miles south of Aden. One RPG (rocket propelled grenade) was fired and landed on deck, but fortunately did not explode (see photo). The Dutch frigate “DE ZEVEN PROVINCIEN”, belonging to the NATO Task Force was in vicinity and foiled the attack by stopping and boarding the attacking skiff. This unit, a Yemeni fishing vessel, obviously was hijacked itself previously and then used for further attacks. Seven pirates could be identified and several evidences could be secured. The action is ongoing.
The “HANDYTANKERS MAGIC” with its crew of 21 Russian sailors, carrying a load of vegetable oil, could continue the voyage unharmed. The vessel was registered with the Maritime Security Centre of Operation Atalanta.