Chemical tanker hijacked – Maritime Security Alert: 29 December 2011
A maritime security alert has been issued for the Arabian Sea after Italian flagged chemical tanker “Enrico Levoli” was hijacked 215NM east-northeast of Salalah, approximately 35 NM off the southern Omani coast at around 0300 local time on 27 December.
The vessel, carrying a crew of 18, was transiting from Fujairah to a destination in the Mediterranean. Contact has been lost with the vessel, which is now understood to be sailing south towards Somalia.
The attack comes as the northeastern monsoon season pushes attacks closer to the shore where conditions are calmer.
Operators in the vicinity should employ vessel hardening techniques and 24 hour watch rotas in accordance with up to date best management practices to reduce the risk of a successful pirate attack.
Source: GAC
