[Update] Pirates Escape with Tanker's Diesel Cargo

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) confirmed that about 700,000 liters of diesel worth over US$434, 000 (RM1.4 million) was looted from the tanker MT Ai Maru by pirates off Malaysia on Saturday evening.

Initial Report: Pirates Scared Off in South China Sea

The MMEA said they were also investigating the involvement of the 13 Thai crewmen and the Indonesian captain.

The ship, registered in Honduras, was on the way from Singapore to Cambodia. It was reported hijacked by pirates using speedboats.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) received information around 9 p.m. on Saturday before informing the MMEA and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

The seven unidentified pirates were believed to flee to neighboring islands such as Pulau Andalas in Indonesia or Pulau Aur after the robbery.

"Based on the investigation of the crew, the pirates were pumping out oil within three hours and a half to another ship which is uncertain. During the incident the captain claimed the crew was locked in a room while he had been ordered to steer the ship by a group armed with machetes and a gun," said an MMEA spokesman.

The MMEA elaborated saying that there are a number of other ships under the same company name that have been plundered, the last was on April 22, 2013 in the waters of Port Klang.

The case is currently under investigation. Robbery carries a maximum jail term of 20 years.