In the wee hours of Sunday, Indian merchant shipping crew on-board MV Tampen came under attack by pirates off a port in Africa’s Western Coast. The vessel which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai was attacked in which two members received bullet injuries, while a third has been kidnapped.
The vessel had to drop anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system. The pirates, according to sources, had boarded the vessel at around 12:30 am on Sunday, following which the all-Indian crew tried to resist the pirates’ attack.
The pirates opened fire using Ak-47s, which led to the ship’s Chief Officer and cook suffering multiple bullet wounds. It is learnt that the two injured have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery.
There is still no information regarding the whereabouts of a second Engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates.
The families of the distressed crew members alleged that the persons on-board are uncertain about their safety and security, as the shipping company, ProActive Ship Management Pvt Ltd, is not taking a keen interest in ensuring the safety of the crew members.
A representative of the shipping company later told the media that a detailed statement would be issued later.
