Pirate attack averted on Greek tanker off Somalia

[January 02, 2009]  ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Greek authorities say a European Union naval force has averted an attempted pirate attack on a Greek oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

The ship's 29 crew members are unhurt.

A Merchant Marine Ministry statement says the Greek-flagged Kriti Episkopi came under attack by pirates twice while sailing off the pirate-infested coast of Somalia Friday.

It says Greek authorities immediately notified the EU naval flotilla protecting shipping in the area, which sent a warplane and a helicopter to the tanker. A frigate is also approaching the scene of the attack.

A ministry spokesman says three speedboats were involved in the attack.

The Kriti Episkopi was carrying oil from the Persian Gulf to Greece. The attack occurred just before 0800GMT Friday.

[Associated Press]

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