24 May 2012

Pirates repelled

10:07 pm on 24 May 2012

An attack by pirates on a US cargho ship owned by the Maersk Shipping Line was repelled in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at noon local time when skiffs carrying armed men, closed-in on the Maersk Texas and fired at the ship which had just left the Straits of Hormuz.

Guards aboard the ship returned fire in accordance with US Coast Guard rules of engagement, Maersk Line Ltd said.

"All hands onboard are safe and unharmed and the vessel is proceeding on its voyage," a statement issued by the company said.

Maersk says it has no further details.