Nigerian Pirates Attack Oil Tanker; SP Brussels, Kill Crew

The oil tanker; SP Brussels that was attacked by Nigerian
pirates enroute Lagos from Port Harcourt on Tuesday

An armed pirate attack against the SP Brussels has resulted in three victims – one sailor and two criminals died off West Africa.
The SP Brussels was attacked on Tuesday at around 11 pm local time while it was en route from Port Harcourt to Lagos with 17 seafarers and two armed guards on board. The pirates hit the ship and exchanged fire with the guards.
Two of the assailants were killed. The crew retreated to the citadel but two sailors did not manage to reach the safe room. The body of the killed crew member was found this morning, the other one suffered minor injuries.

The owner of the vessel, Medaillon Reederei, released the following statement:
    “Following crossfire with armed guards on board SP Brussels two of the attackers have died.”
They did not reveal further details on the accident or the name of the victim.
    “Management and staff at Medaillon Reederei wish to offer their deepest condolences to the family of their deceased colleague. The company’s thoughts are with his relatives, friends and fellow crew members,” said the statement.
The company has started a full investigation to define the exact circumstances of the tragic events on board their ship.
Two years ago, the vessel was attacked by pirates. Five Indian crew members were abducted and later returned in good health.
SP Brussels (IMO number 9387164 and MMSI 538003624) is a 118-meter tanker registered in the Marshall Islands. The 7,654-ton vessel was built in 2007.
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