A Russian oil tanker was attacked by pirates off the Nigerian coast but managed to escape with no casualties or damage, a source at a Russian shipping company said on Tuesday. The Khatanga, owned by the Murmansk Maritime Shipping Company, was attacked on Monday 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Nigerian coast by a speedboat with five pirates on board, but managed to shake off its pursuers after about an hour.
The source said what looked like a fishing vessel, which was moving a short distance away from the tanker, had suddenly changed course heading straight for the Khatanga, ignoring all identification requests.
The tanker turned off all lights, issued a distress call and started moving at full steam while the attackers opened fire with light weapons.
The crew escaped unhurt as they had taken shelter in the engine room before the attack.
The source said what looked like a fishing vessel, which was moving a short distance away from the tanker, had suddenly changed course heading straight for the Khatanga, ignoring all identification requests.
The tanker turned off all lights, issued a distress call and started moving at full steam while the attackers opened fire with light weapons.
The crew escaped unhurt as they had taken shelter in the engine room before the attack.