Pirates attack SVG registered cargo ship

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has condemned the attack by pirates on a motor vessel bearing the flag of this country off the coast of Nigeria.{{more}}

Dr. Gonsalves informed the House of Parliament on Wednesday, January 26, that the Greek managed Cargo Vessel Perseas was attacked at one minute after one that morning, while on anchor off the port of Onne, with the captain of the vessel and Chief Engineer being abducted and two other crew members shot.

A realease from the Canada Press News Agency stated that the captain of the vessel is Ukrainian and the First Engineer was Greek. The injured men were Egyptian. Other crew members were of the abovementioned descent, as well as Syrian and Filipino.

The Prime Minister indicated that he had already taken immediate steps to address the matter, which included contacting the Nigerian government through its High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago and the West African nation’s president Jonathan Goodluck.

Dr. Gonsalves said that he had also been in touch with the United States’ Charge d’Affaires (in Barbados), in an effort to gain assistance from that country.

He said that agreements have been signed with a number of other countries to work together to defeat piracy, which he described as an international menace.

“…This vessel, because it carries our flag, St. Vincent and the Grenadines territory and any assault on our territory, anywhere, must be reported to the parliament once the parliament is sitting.”

“…It is also important for the whole world to appreciate that we take the protection of our flag very seriously.”

According to the Prime Miniister, while the Perseas was anchored, the ship’s radar watch noticed a boat fast approaching the ship.

“Before the crew could be mustered, ten pirates boarded the vessel, shot two crew members in the leg, took all the mobile phones and took the master and Chief Engineer hostage.”

The ship has since been moved to a different location and the injured crew members given medical attention.

Up to press time Wednesday, the Captain and Chief Engineer have still not been located.

Dr. Gonsalves noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines ships’ registry, which is in the top 20 of the largest registries in the world, is beneficial to the country’s income.

“It brings us a lot of revenue. It helps us to do a lot of things in the country, and, therefore, it is a matter which we all as parliament must take very seriously.”

The Prime Minister said that new shipping laws established by his government and which comply with all the requisites of the international maritime organizations show that this country’s ships registry is a responsible one.(JJ)