A Bourbon platform supply vessel (PSV) has thwarted an armed pirate raid off Nigeria, it has emerged.
The French shipowner confirmed to TradeWinds that the 3,700-dwt Bourbon Explorer 502 (built 2007) had come under attack, but all crew were safe and well.
Vesseltracker reported that the ship was underway off Bonny Island on 28 February when it was pursued and fired on by 16 gunmen in two speedboats.
The alarm was raised and the vessel increased speed while initiating anti-piracy evasive manoeuvres.
Non-essential crew mustered in the citadel and an escorting security vessel intervened to repel the threat.
Bullet damage to the bridge was reported.
The vessel was escorted back to port.
