Pirates killed one and abducted six sailors of a Vietnam-flagged ship in an attack off the southern Philippines on February 19, according to a report issued by ReCAAP ISC.

The 4,739 dwt MV Giang Hai was boarded by gunmen northwest of Doc Can Island, while the vessel was underway from Indonesia to Iloilo Port, the Philippines. 

The pirates destroyed navigation and communication equipment before escaping. Para perompak merusak peralatan navigasi dan komunikasi sebelum melarikan diri.

17 crewmembers of the 25-men bulk carrier were rescued by the country’s authorities, Reuters reported citing local coastguard officials. 

The Philippine authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and the ship is now at Taganak anchorage area, Tawi-Tawi. 

The attack occurred to an area close to the stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militant group, which have been involved in kidnappings of sailors for ransom. 

This is the second incident involving abduction of crew in 2017, ReCAAP said.  

With piracy incidents being frequent in the Sulu-Celebes Sea region, ships have been urged to re-route from the area.

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