Pirates loot foreign vessel at Chattogram Port’s outer anchorage

Around 20 pirates boarded a foreign-flagged vessel anchored at Chattogram Port’s outer anchorage early today (16 July), looted valuable equipment and fled before security forces arrived in the area.

The incident occurred around 1am at the Charlie Anchorage, shortly after the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Tai Shuen arrived from Hong Kong and began anchoring, according to its local shipping agent.

The vessel had arrived in Bangladesh for dismantling at Janata Steel’s shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda.

Mosharraf Hossain, owner of the vessel’s shipping agent Ben Line Shipping, told The Business Standard that the attackers approached the tanker in five wooden boats and boarded it within minutes while crew members were engaged in anchoring operations.

“The pirates split into two groups. One group prevented the crew from completing the anchoring process, while the other looted valuable equipment from the deck, including expensive mooring ropes, batteries and other items,” he said.

Mosharraf said the vessel’s Indonesian captain immediately alerted Chattogram Port’s control room via radio. However, by the time the Bangladesh Coast Guard reached the area, the attackers had already escaped.

He said piracy and theft at the port’s outer anchorage have become increasingly frequent.

“These may appear to be petty thefts, but their impact is substantial. The pirates often pose as fishermen and remain around anchored vessels. As soon as they find an opportunity, they board the ships and steal valuable equipment,” he said.

Mosharraf claimed that three vessels handled by his company have fallen victim to similar attacks at Charlie Anchorage over the past month.

“The repeated incidents have created serious concern among ship-owners, shipping agents and seafarers,” he added.

Officials at Chattogram Port’s Marine Department said the Coast Guard was informed immediately after the incident and requested to take necessary action.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard East Zone’s media cell declined to comment on the incident.