Pirates Attack UAE Ship With Grenades

European Union Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR) reports that the Panama flagged MV ORNA was pirated Monday in the Indian Ocean, 400 nautical miles North East of the Seychelles.

Two pirate skiffs approached the bulk carrier, firing small arms and rocket propelled grenades at the vessel. The ship was forced to a stop and was subsequently boarded by pirates.

EU NAVFOR also reports that the ship was not registered with the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) or the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), so the number and nationality of crew is unknown.

The vessel is owned by the Dubai based company, Sirago Shipmanagement and is operated by the also Dubai based, Swedish Management Co.
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PHOTO: Courtesy of EU NAVFOR

EU NAVFOR Somalia - Operation ATALANTA's main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the 'World Food Program' (WFP) and vessels of 'African Union Mission in Somalia' (AMISOM), and to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.