One Dead in Another Tanker Attack Off Nigeria

One Filipino crewman has been fatally shot by a Nigerian pirate aboard the chemical tanker, PYXIS DELTA.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines (DFA) confirmed that the mariner was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The PYXIS DELTA was attacked on Monday off Nigeria’s coast. The other 8 Filipino crewmembers are safe aboard the vessel, which is anchored, as they await their repatriation back to Manila.

Exact details of the incident are still vague. Information will be updated as it becomes available. The Philippine government is working continuously with ship owners and operators to secure the freedom of the Filipinos, according to GMA News.

At least 23 Filipino seafarers remain in the hands of ransom-seeking pirates in Somalia. Piracy and ransom kidnappings of Filipino sailors continue to be a problem for the Philippine government as it lacks the capability to monitor their movements when at sea. As a policy, the Philippine government does not negotiate nor pay ransom to kidnappers, but gives ship owners the free hand in negotiating for the release of abducted Filipino sailors.

The PYXIS DELTA is an oil/chemical tanker built in 2006 at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. It is flagged by Marshall Islands and classed by DNV. Dubai-based ITM Holding owns and manages the vessel. The PYXIS DELTA was formerly the GAN VENTURE until March 2010.

Photo Credit: http://maritime-connector.com