Russian tanker escapes from pirates near India

MOSCOW, February 18 (Itar-Tass) -- A Russian tanker succeeded to
escape from sea pirates in the Arabian Sea near the Indian coast, the
Russian trade union of seamen said on Thursday.
It specified the incident took place on Wednesday when NS Century
tanker with the home port of call in Novorossiisk spotted three boats with
six to eight people in each approaching the vessel.
The captain ordered to maneuver while an armed group onboard opened
warning fire. The pirates stopped and fled, the trade union said.
It added the people in the boats did not fire at the tanker however
their actions were qualified as "suspicious approach with all signs of sea
piracy."
It praised the shipowner that hired an armed group to ensure security
of the vessel.
"Experts say the incident shall cause concern not only of Indian
authorities as NS Century could have been attacked close to their coast,
but also of the whole shipping industry as the incident occurred in an
area recommended for navigation to vessels in order to avoid attacks by
pirates," the trade union said.