Two vessels fend off pirate attacks using ‘BMP3’

On January 6, the MV FRONT WARRIOR and the MV BW AUSTRIA successfully fended off attempted pirate attacks through the use of Best Management Practices 3 set forth by the combined naval forces – EUNAVFOR, the NATO Shipping Centre and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The MV FRONT WARRIOR, a Bahaman flagged Oil tanker was attacked at 0232Z approximately 300 nautical miles South East of Muscat. Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) were fired at the vessel from 1 skiff in order to attempt a boarding.  The ship’s crew used fire hoses to deter the pirates as well as razor wire on the perimeter. These measures combined with additional watch keepers prevented the vessel from being boarded. The vessel is now safe.

The MV BW AUSTRIA, a Norwegian flagged LPG tanker was attacked at 0700Z approximately 320 nautical miles South East of Muscat. The vessel was also fired upon with RPGs from 2 skiffs. She maintained her heading at full speed and had been equipped with razor wire around her perimeter. These measures prevented the pirates from boarding and the vessel is now safe.

Both of these incidents highlight the importance of the BMP measures in the deterrence and defeat of pirate action groups.

Source: EU NAVFOR

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