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Thai fuel tanker sailing to Singapore attacked by pirates in Malaysian waters

KUALA LUMPUR — A Thai-registered tanker fell victim to maritime pirates who syphoned 1.5 million litres of diesel from the vessel last week.

Tankers travelling through the Singapore Strait. Reuters file photo

Tankers travelling through the Singapore Strait. Reuters file photo

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KUALA LUMPUR — A Thai-registered tanker fell victim to maritime pirates who syphoned 1.5 million litres of diesel from the vessel last week.

According to Thai Royal Navy Rear Admiral (RAdm) Pornchai Pinthong, the incident took place in Malaysian waters off the coast of Kuantan on Friday (June 23).

The vessel had 3.8 million litres of diesel prior to the attack.

“The ship was carrying the diesel load from Songkhla to Singapore,” he was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama today.

According to RAdm Pinthong, armed pirates boarded the ship at night before overpowering the captain and crew. They then destroyed the emergency beacons on board to prevent mayday calls.

The admiral said they have informed Malaysian authorities of the incident while the Thai navy is advising all vessels in the area to be on alert.

The Thai navy also sent ships today to inspect the vessel that is currently anchored near Pulau Tikus, he added.

Maritime piracy remains a problem in the region, with Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines conducting regular unilateral and joint efforts to combat the menace.

Recent high-profile cases of piracy in the area include the MV Orkim Harmony, which was hijacked by Indonesian pirates in 2015 before being sailed to Vietnam. MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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