On November 7th, South of Cotonou, the Singapore-flagged tanker Torm Alexandra was reported as boarded by an unknown number of attackers. Reports indicate that the Italian Navy that their frigate Martinengo had intervened in rescue.
The Italian Navy frigate intervened in rescue of the tanker after a distress call was received. A unit of the Benin Navy has also been dispatched to assist and to intercept the PAG.
After receiving the alarm and being sure that all the crew of the merchant ship were safe in a protected area of the same ship, the so-called “citadel”, the Martinengo sent its helicopter to the action scene where, operating in coordination with the Benin Navy, it interrupted the attack conducted by the pirates by firing warning shots into the sea for deterrence.
The pirates returned fire without damaging the helicopter.
The crew, comprised of 21 seamen, successfully mustered to the citadel and are safe.
