Robbers temporarily boarded an Evergreen vessel, Evergreen confirms.
Evergreen Lines has verified that its containership was temporarily boarded by thieves while at anchor in the port. Although all crew members are safe, this occurrence is unusual. The event is currently under scrutiny by the authorities.
Ever Boomy, a B-Tyle, and one of the line’s smallest vessels is 695 feet long with a capacity of 2,880 TEU. The 37,300 dwt vessel was anchored in the port of Manila after her normal route to port calls in China and Taiwan. Lying in the outer anchorage the vessel was reportedly waiting for its berth.
At approximately 0200 on April 5, the robbers came aboard the Evergreen vessel while it was at the anchorage. The robbers then accosted an able seaman who was on watch on the deck. They and after assaulting him and tied him up. Additionally, local news reported that the boarders used a knife to threaten at least one crew member, and the bound seaman feared that they might throw him overboard. According to media sources, the crewmember eventually managed to free himself.
Evergreen said in a statement that the captain of the Ever Boomy notified Panama as the ship’s flag state and the Philippine Coast Guard immediately. Thus, all crew members are safe.
Robbers are common in some parts of Asia. there were 4 incidents in the last 5 days of March in the eastbound lanes of the Singapore Strait. The robbers stole engine spare parts in all the incidents. Furthermore, the area is a danger zone due to frequent robbery incidents. A total of 18 incidents occurred in the Singapore Strait since January. However, the danger remains as robbers are still out freely.
