Pirates attack ship off Nigeria’s coastline

A Maersk Line container vessel came under attack from Nigerian pirates recently according to a report by a security broker.

The Singapore-flagged, 61,614 dwt boxship, Maersk Cotonou, was attacked in Rivers State, Nigeria close to Bonny Island according to a report from security brokers Asket.

Asket said that the containership had been attacked by eight armed men in a speedboat and the Maersk Cotonou successfully applied counter piracy measures. The vessel then continued to its destination.

Asket said the attack was carried out by the same group that attempted an attack on a convoy of supply vessels earlier on November 19. In that case a security vessel escorting the convoy intercepted the pirate skiff and came under fire. The security vessel returned fire and the attack was aborted.