An IRISL-owned bulk carrier has become the latest victim of pirates operating in the Arabian Sea.

The 52,500-dwt Sinin (built 2005) was hijacked off the coast of Oman on Saturday evening, TradeWinds has learned.



There had been hope that the Malta-flagged bulker may evade capture after coming under attack at around 19:30 UTC. However, a flyover by naval assets on Sunday confirmed that armed gunmen and two pirate skiffs are on the deck.

The supramax, which is owned by Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and operated by IranoHind Shipping, is believed to have changed course and is headed towards Somalia.

There are 23 crew members onboard comprising 13 Iranians and 10 Indians but to date there are no reports of any casualties.



Counter-piracy force EU NAVFOR reported the ship is "believed" hijacked but that communication has been lost with it. A distress signal was sent from the vessel on Saturday when it was coming under attack, the force wrote in a statement.



Iran has naval assets in the region and the response of its government to one of its ships being seized will be keenly awaited.

Saturday’s attack comes after NS Lemos-owned VLCC and Fratelli D’Amato-owned ships were also hijacked in the same region last week.

There was better news for the owner of a fishing vessel seized by pirates a year ago and being used as a mothership after it was freed by the Royal Danish Navy.

“HDMS Esbern Snare came across a suspicious vessel with two skiffs on deck,” a statement released by NATO read.

“She launched her helicopter in order to investigate and to stop the vessel. After firing warning shots the vessel did stop and the crew surrendered. HDMS Esbern Snare then sent a boarding party to investigate.

“After boarding the vessel it became clear that those on the vessel were 16 suspected pirates and two Yemeni hostages. The original fishing crew of nine people had been held for a year but most of them had been released.

“During the search weapons, including AK-47’s and rocket propelled grenade launchers and ammunition were found. The Yemeni hostages are currently on board HDMS Esbern Snare.

“The weapons and ammunition will be taken from the pirates and the pirates will be dealt with in accordance with instructions from national authorities.”

The last remark leaves the possibility open that the pirates may be released without charge as no mention of arrests was made.