On May 17, 2024, at 04.10 UTC the 'Fidan', en route from Ust-Luga to Santos, was boarded by ten pirates armed with AK-47 guns in 09:11.2 N 027:03.9 W, around 363 nautical miles southsouthwest of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde. They took control of the bridge. All crew members were mustered on the bridge where the pirates tied up their hands and legs. The pirates ordered the 2nd and 4th engineer to stop the engines, and the ship went adrift with the intention of stealing the cargo and bunkers. While waiting for the offtake vessel, the pirates stole crew and ship properties. They then moved all crew members into the steering gear room and informed them that there were explosive devices fixed on all doors, and the crew could only exit after two hours. Once the crew emerged from the steering gear room, no pirates or explosives were found. The pirates had damaged communication, internet, navigation equipment and the air control pipes for the main engine and cylinder oil flow valves before escaping. The crew managed to sail the vessel to the next port. No cargo or bunkers was stolen.
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ESL DACHAN BAY
On May 10, 2024, at 3.32 a.m. the 'ESL Dachan Bay' was boarded by two men at the Manila International Container Terminal in pos. 14° 35.69' N 120° 50.67' E. The perpetrators stole ship's stores. No injuries were reported.
MUROU
On May 15 at 4.15 a.m. the 'Murou' was boarded by three men at Dumai Anchorage in pos. 1° 42' N 101° 28' E. The perpetrators left the ship without anything being reported stolen. There were no injuries.
WIND
On May 18, 2024, shortly after midnight, the 'Wind', en route with a cargo of oil from Novorossyisk to China, was attacked 98 miles south of Al Hudaydah. The Captain of the vessel confirmed that the vessel had been struck by an unknown object and suffered slight damage. However, the crew and vessel were safe and continued sailing for the next port call. On May 12-13, the tanker had passed through the Suez Canal, and the last AIS signal was received when it was in the middle of the Red Sea. The attack damaged the propulsion and steering. However, the crew managed to fix the propulsion and steering and continued sailing under its power. Ambrey stated that the steering gear was ablaze, but another steering unit of the vessel was functional. The 'Wind' is a Dark Fleet tanker, her alias in Venezuela was “King”. The vessel which is now registered in Panama, in 2022 was registered in Comoros. She returned to the Panama register in 2023 after having left the Panama flag in 2021.
LARGO EDEN
On May 13, 2024, at 03.45 a.m. the 'Largo Eden' was boarded by six men at Chattogram Anchorage in pos. 22° 17' N 120° 91.43' E. Shore watchmen were found tied and unable to move. NBo injuries were reported. The pirates stole unsecured items from the tanker.