Maersk Cotonou Attacked off Nigerian Coast

Maersk Line The 4,496 TEU containership Maersk Cotonou was attacked by supposed criminals attempting to board the vessel off the Nigerian coast on November 19, Danish shipping giant Maersk Line confirmed to World Maritime News. Maersk said that the 2011-built vessel was attacked at 10am local time while it was en route to Walvis Bay, Namibia. The container ship applied counter piracy measures and the attack was unsuccessful. The crew and cargo are safe, Maersk said, adding that the containership has resumed its voyage. Maersk Cotonou started its journey from Nigerias Onne port on November 19. UK-based security broker agency Asket informed that up to eight criminals approached the boxship in a speed boat. The attempted attack is believed to have been carried out by the same pirates which tried to attack an inbound convoy earlier the same day. World Maritime News Staff