Greek tanker escapes pirate attack off Oman coast

A Greek tanker transporting crude oil from Sudan to China was attacked by pirates off Oman's coast on Tuesday morning, but escaped after prompt action by the captain, Greek Coast Guard officials said.

Greek-flagged "Sikinos", with 24 crew members -- 8 Greeks and 16 Filippinos, was attacked by pirates in speedboats about 550 nautical miles off Oman's coast.

Using flares and water hoses, the ship members managed to avoid the take-over, a representative of the Piraeus-based shipping company, Maritime Cyclades, which owns the tanker, told Xinhua.

According to the latest message, "Sikinos" is continuing its journey to Huangpu port in southeast China's Guangdong province, and all sailors are in good health.

Source: Xinhua