Beninese navy rescues two oil tankers off Cotonou coast

Cotonou, Benin (PANA) – The Beninese navy early on Wednesday rescued two oil tankers that were attacked by pirates about 15 km off the Cotonou coast, naval sources said.

The ships - Aidin Panama and Gotland Sofia - which were carrying oil products, had barely approached each other to trans-ship the products, when a dozen pirates appeared suddenly, shooting in all directions.

The intervention of the Beninese naval ship forced the assailants to flee. The 54-man crew members are safe.

The attack against the two ships took place between 0100 and 0200 hours, the Captain of the Benin naval ship, captain Maxime Ahoyo.

The Cotonu coast has of late seen a series of attacks by pirates.
-0- PANA IT/AAS/SOC/MSA/MA 3August2011