Maritime Casualties--December 10, 2009

Navy Ship Thwarts Pirate Attack

• Indian Navy Ship Thwarts Pirate Attack on US Tanker

An Indian Navy warship successfully repelled a pirate attack Sunday evening, on a privately, US-owned tanker flying a Norwegian flag.

The MT Nordik Spirit, owned by the Nordic American Tanker Company, sent out a distress signal after pirates in a small skiff began firing at the crew members. A nearby Indian navy vessel responded to the call and sent helicopters with Marine Commandos to the ship. The pirates surrendered their attack upon seeing the helicopters.

The warship escorted the tanker to safety.