AMO Currents - <i>M/V Ocean Atlas</i> crew, security detail fend off multiple piratical attacks near Togo

AMO Currents - Posted: December 13, 2012

M/V Ocean Atlas crew, security detail fend off multiple piratical attacks near Togo

Working aboard the M/V Ocean Atlas in November were (back row: left to right) AB Wadeea Alnasafi, ACU Joel Ababa, GUDE Sean Branch, QMED/EL Chris Eason, AB Nicolas Byers, Chief Steward Connie Denoma, Third Mate Matthew Welsh, Captain Scott A. Lund, AB Sergio Ordonez, Bosun David Hetrick, Third Assistant Engineer Analisa Stewart, and (front row) the ship's security team. Not in the picture are Chief Mate Daniel Vonder-Haff, Second Mate Michael Rawlins, Chief Engineer Jean Parenteau and First Assistant Engineer Robert Daly.

One of four pirate skiffs that was repelled by personnel aboard the M/V Ocean Atlas.

The officers and crew of the M/V Ocean Atlas are safe after recently fending off multiple attempts by pirates to board the vessel while off the coast of Lome, Togo. The ship is managed by Crowley Maritime Corp. The anti-piracy safety training completed by the officers and crew, coupled with the on-board security team from Nexus Consulting, ensured the safety of the cargo and all personnel onboard.

The M/V Ocean Atlas anchored three miles off the port of Lome on Nov. 21 in a highly congested area to wait to receive fuel. The security team set up surveillance to ensure a safe perimeter while awaiting the arrival of the fueling vessel.

Just before midnight, a skiff carrying six men used the numerous fishing and fueling vessels in the area as cover while searching for a location to board the ship. Twice the men attempted to board the vessel along the port side using a rope-and-wooden ladder, but were spotted by the surveillance team, which in coordination with the crew members, prevented the pirates from boarding. When safe, the crew radioed the Togo navy to report the attack and request assistance.

Following anti-piracy safety protocol, the crew members remained on the bridge while the security team guarded all entry points on the vessel. These measures prevented a second attempt to board the vessel 30 minutes later, this time by pirates in three separate skiffs. Throughout the remainder of the night as the vessel awaited fuel, the crew members worked with the security team to keep surveillance on the pirate skiffs as they continued their attempts to board the ship.

"We are grateful all of our crew members made it home safely after these recent events," said Nick Orfanidis, Crowley's director of fleet operations. "The crew's performance in this high-stress situation showed its high level of professionalism and the value of Crowley's anti-piracy security and safety training. The crew's safety also would not have been possible without the expertise and skill of the Nexus Consulting security team."

The M/V Ocean Atlas is operated by Intermarine LLC through its U.S.-flag affiliate, US Ocean LLC, as part of its U.S.-flag heavy-lift service. Crowley began managing vessels for Intermarine in October 2011, including the technical management of the M/V Ocean Atlas. This U.S.-flag, heavy-lift/multipurpose cargo vessel operates around the world and is 393 feet long with a gross tonnage of 7,252.

American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the M/V Ocean Atlas and AMO member Captain Scott Lund is the ship's master.