Philippine Navy and Coast Guard forces prevented Abu Sayyaf pirates from hijacking a general cargo vessel east of Basilan Island, the Philippines on Tuesday.
According to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, six armed persons in a speed boat chased and fired upon the vessel.
The Oceanic Shipping Lines owned ‘MV Ocean Kingdom’ was en route to Davao City when the attack happened. The supposed Abu Sayyaf militants fired at the vessel with automatic rifles damaging port and starboard sides of the vessel.
The attackers retreated after the authorities sent their units to the scene. MV Ocean Kingdom was thereafter escorted to Davao City.
None of the cargo vessel’s crew were injured in the attack, according to reports.