NYK piracy drill: 'Pirates' spotted, help called and help comes

JAPANESE shipping group NYK has announced that a 69,549-tonne gas carrier managed has taken part in a joint piracy response drill conducted with the Japanese Coast Guard.

As part of the drill, the carrier was chased by a suspicious speedboat south of Miyako Island. The vessel activated its ship security alert system (SSAS) and contacted the Japanese Coast Guard and NYK LNG Shipmanagement.

The Japanese Coast Guard then instructed its closest patrol ship to go immediately to the scene and secure the safety of the LNG vessel by using its onboard helicopter to patrol the area, in an effort to ensure the safety of the LNG carrier, its crew and the surrounding waters.

The NYK Group said in a statement that it will continue to conduct joint drills with the coast guard and relevant government agencies, to prepare for potential piracy attacks.

Source: www.schednet.com