AMO Currents - Maersk Virginia approached by pirates in Gulf of Aden

AMO Currents - Posted: May 26, 2009

Maersk Virginia approached by pirates in Gulf of Aden

The M/V Maersk Virginia May 22 was approached by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Maersk Line Limited reported. The ship was not fired upon and the ship’s 19 crewmembers, all U.S. citizens, were unharmed.

The Maersk Virginia, operated by Maersk Line Limited and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers, was en route to Salalah, Oman, traveling in the defined security corridor when the incident took place between 1000 and 1100 local time, about 70 miles south of Yemen.

Earlier that day, the same pirates unsuccessfully attacked another ship, and that ship notified the Virginia the pirates were approaching. The Virginia increased speed to more than 21 knots, began evasive maneuvers, mustered according to the vessel’s security plan and contacted authorities. Naval warships already operating in the area responded to the situation and deployed helicopters to counter the craft. The pirate craft closed to within approximately .75 nautical miles of the Virginia before turning away, the company reported.