The website only has the picture of the Maersk Illoinoise, the Texas is a sister ship. Details at website.
Posted on 05/24/2012 6:58:24 AM PDT by Daffynition
Iran's navy said Thursday it saved an American-flagged cargo ship that was being attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Oman.
An Iranian warship responded to a distress signal from the US-flagged Maersk Texas, a cargo ship of 150 metres (500 feet) and 14,000 tonnes, which was besieged by "several pirate boats," the navy said in a statement reported by the official IRNA news agency.
The cargo vessel "was saved by the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran" on Wednesday, IRNA added.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Might be an Iran-Russia-Obama ploy to open up negotiations. Obama needs some excuse to do what he and his boss, KGB Putin, want to do.
If could be sailors of all nationalities like shooting at pirates.
Maersk would be a Danish owned vessel. American Flagged would mean to me that perhaps it was contracted by the government to haul military supplies, or more than likely foreign assistance supplies of some sort, but a government contract.
Hmmm...proof that not ALL Iranians are card-carrying a-holes.
Heavy-lift Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs)
MLL and Rickmers-Linie (America) have partnered to provide a worldwide service for heavy-lift, breakbulk and project cargoes with two newly-built MPVs operating under the U.S. flag. The ships are named MAERSK ILLINOIS and MAERSK TEXAS, and each is 19,500 dwt with a max lift of 480 MT and a capacity of 20,000 m3, 964 TEU inclusive of 50 reefers.
http://www.maersklinelimited.com/SMC/illinoistexas.php
The website only has the picture of the Maersk Illoinoise, the Texas is a sister ship. Details at website.
Other reports slant it differently
http://www.rt.com/news/us-pirate-iran-ship-help-097/
The Maersk Texas security team fired warning shots, but the pirates continued to approach the vessel and then fired upon it. A security team then returned fire in accordance with US Coast Guard rules of engagement.
The cargo ship was attacked northeast of Fujairah, the biggest port in the Middle East for refueling oil tankers.
The vessel’s distress call was first answered by the Iranian navy, Kevin Speers, senior director of marketing at Maersk Line.
Speers then clarified that Iran’s navy “provided guidance to the crew of the Maersk Texas by radio, but was never on scene.”
The Australian warship HMAS Melbourne was also dispatched to help the merchant vessel and launched a helicopter that proceeded to it. The attackers fled the scene shortly afterwards.
THAT’s interesting. Bound for SK. Perhaps it IS military hardware.
Ironic that Iran “saved” it.
An gyrocopter with a minigun would fix the problem.
I think making a radio call doesn’t really rise to the level of “Saving”.
Pirate Attack on Maersk Texas Averted in Gulf of Oman
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/pirate-attack-on-maersk-texas-averted-in-gulf-of-oman
Maersk Line Ltd. has confirmed that pirates in the Gulf of Oman attacked one of their U.S.-flagged cargo ships, Maersk Texas. Fortunately, onboard security guards were able to deter them.
The attack on the ship - a 19,592 dwt vessel which is 486 feet long - took place at noon local time on Wednesday when it was passing through the Gulf of Oman, northeast of the Arab Emirates port of Fujairah, reports Reuters. It was en route back to the United States from the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian navy was the first to respond to the initial distress call from the Maersk Texas, and provided guidance to the crew via radio. The Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne was also dispatched to help the Maersk Texas. The warship launched a helicopter that proceeded to the merchant vessel.
Reportedly, onboard witnesses recall seeing numerous skiffs with armed men in each boat quickly closing in on Maersk Texas. Despite warnings, the pirates continued to approach the vessel and then fired upon it, after which a security team returned fire in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard rules of engagement.
Carrying military vehicles such as APC, or other armored vehicles to South Korea I s’pose. Recent articles have shown many such vehicles landing in Korea. Seems to me there is revitalization of the military activity over there in anticipation of aggressions from N. Korea.
I haven’t a link for you, but there have been threads here at FR showing the Armored equipment lined up off dock in Inchon that came off of such vessels recently.
I mean the “pirate” story might be a ploy in order to open the door for negotiations with the Russian puppet in Iran. Russia, Iran, Chavez, the ChiComs and Obama are all on the same “new world order” page.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/05/23/bloomberg_articlesM4HD7T6S972801-M4HKD.DTL
Then we have the VA-based security firm, *Trident Group* defending the cargo ships.
Lots of rumors were flying around maritime circles this morning of a rather involved pirate attack on the U.S.-flagged Maersk Texas today in the Gulf of Oman. In the end the attack was thwarted by a shipboard security team, but we heard rumors of up to 20 skiffs were involved in the attack and also that ALL the skiffs were actually just local fisherman.
As it turns out, however, the vessel was attacked and most of the rumors were not in fact true.
Reaching out to Maersk Line, Limited, which is the jones act arm of Maersk and owner of the Maersk Texas, the company confirmed the attack and offered gCaptain the following statement on the incident:
Maersk Line, Limited confirms its U.S. flag vessel, Maersk Texas, thwarted an attack by multiple pirate skiffs at noon local while transiting the Gulf of Oman, northeast of Fujairah. All hands onboard are safe and unharmed, and the vessel is proceeding on its voyage. Numerous skiffs with armed men in each boat quickly closed on Maersk Texas. Maersk Texas activated defensive measures per the U.S. Coast Guard-approved Vessel Security Plan. Despite clear warning signals, the skiffs continued their direct line toward Maersk Texas and the embarked security team fired warning shots. The pirates then fired upon Maersk Texas, and the security team returned fire per established U.S. Coast Guard rules of engagement. Many small craft and fishing boats were in the area and were not involved in the incident.
Maersk Line, Limited reportedly employs Trident Group security teams onboard their vessels, the same group shown in a viral video shooting “warning shots”at approaching pirate skiffs. If it was a Trident team on the vessel, we know there is some video of the attack that will likely be reviewed, and up to Maersk on whether or not it will be released.
MAERSK TEXAS is currently sailing from Shuaiba, Kuwait to Beaumont, Texas, according to the Maersk-Linie website.
UPDATE: The U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence has just released a warning for the area of the attack on the Maersk Texas. The warning does not mention the attack specifically, but warns of some odd behavior by skiffs in the area, possibly indicating a new pirate tactic that could address some of the rumors we heard previously of the Maersk Texas attack.
Merchant vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Somali Basin are advised to maintain vigilance against and report abnormal or atypical small boat behavior, to include potential surveillance. This includes merchant vessels at anchorage either in or near territorial waters. Merchant vessels are encouraged to differentiate between fishing vessels from potential bad actors intertwining themselves within legitimate fishing activity. If fishing gear or actual fishing activity is not observed, take all appropriate counter-piracy and force protection measures to prevent piracy, illegal boardings, and/or waterborne attacks. In accordance with Best Management Practices (BMP), please maintain communications with UKMTO and report any abnormal incidents.
Follow up reports on the incident indicate that the Maersk Texas was assisted by an Iranian warship immediately following the attack, as well as later by the Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne
. The MAERSK TEXAS is one of two newly built multi-purpose dry cargo ships – the other is the MAERSK ILLINOIS – that the MLL acquired in September 2011 to sail for Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier, or Maersk-Rickmers for short, a company established to provide U.S. customers with heavy-lift breakbulk and project cargo shipping requiring U.S. flag service.
Yeah sure, an American flagged vessel carrying American made goods, sold to the rest of the world, real funny...
When did merchant ships start being completely unarmed? Was this a UN thing?
How about have a service where you rent guns to merchant ships? Have ships anchored out in international waters of Countries that require unarmed ships. Maybe, even put armed guards on ships for companies. Something like the Black Water group.
I really hope that the Texas crew nailed a couple of them.
Now I REALLY suspect it's a Russian ploy. I mistakenly left out North Korea in my "new world order" list above.
Hmmm...proof that not ALL Iranians are card-carrying a-holes.
Or
Proof the pirates were just the wrong variety of Islam.
Good find, thanks
That report was 591 days ago, when the ship was in the South China Sea.
I believe up thread, I made a link to the VA-based security firm, *Trident Group* we have defending the US flag cargo ships. :)
The Trident Group is actively recruiting Former US Navy SEALS for APASS operations...GO SEALS!
“...fled the scene...”
They are in a boat for heaven’s sake! How can you flee from a copter. Sink the bastards!!! Insanity on the high seas.
Yes. Thanks for the link Daffynition. Maersk is a Huge Company owning many vessels, and operating throughout the World at the behest of Shipping interests, and as we see here the U.S. Government.
If you are interested you may Google/search “flag of convenience ships”, and learn more.
Maersk is a Danish company. I worked in the shipping industry for 35 years. I’m familiar with them. An excellent company.
Thanks for the insight. IIRC, within the last year or so, reading about a new group of top execs moving into positions at Maersk. Not that that, has anything to do with this confusing early morning report.:)
I think this news story has evolved into a perfect example of how the PTB control *exactly* what they want *us* to believe. I’m getting so very, very cynical of everything. :(
“Maersk Line, Limited reportedly employs Trident Group security teams onboard their vessels, the same group shown in a viral video shooting “warning shots”at approaching pirate skiffs.”
Have a link to that video?
TIA.
Or (possibly) proof that many of us can be easily deceived or 'tricked' into believing just about anything as reported. The Iranians likely got intel (quite likely from Russia) that the ship was carrying arms for our ally South Korea to defend themselves from Stalinist North Korea. Russia, Iran, the ChiComs, Chavez and North Korea are all part of the "new world order" vision, a vision that our own 'Dear Leader' is 100% on board with.
“We are creating a new world, a balanced world. A new world order, a multipolar world,” Chavez told reporters during a visit to Communist China, one of many. His “new world order” includes [RUSSIA], China, Iran,... and a significantly weakened United States, he explained.
Resurgent Communism in Latin America
by Alex Newman, March 16, 2010:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/world-mainmenu-26/south-america-mainmenu-37/3122-resurgent-communism-in-latin-america?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
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From the Russian News and Information Agency:
July 27, 2006
"'I am determined to expand relations with Russia,' Chavez, known as an outspoken critic of what he calls the United States' unilateralism, told the Russian leader, adding that his determination stemmed from their shared vision of the global order.":
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060727/51913498.html
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From the Sino-Russian Joint Statement of April 23, 1997:
"The two sides [China and Russia] shall, in the spirit of partnership, strive to promote the multipolarization of the world and the establishment of a new international order."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HI29Ag01.html
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"Joint war games are a logical outcome of the Sino-Russian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2001, and reflect the shared worldview and growing economic ties between the two Eastern Hemisphere giants."
http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2005/09/war-games-russia-china-grow-alliance
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170287,00.html
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Russia's Medvedev hails "comrade" Obama
Associated Foreign Press (AFP) ^ | April 2, 2009 | Anna Smolchenko
"Russia's Dmitry Medvedev hailed Barack Obama as "my new comrade" Thursday after their first face-to-face talks"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEo4B1heuBvO6KK7EiBHKigO1UrA
April 1, 2009:
"Obama, Medvedev pledge new era of relations":
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/419496_88/1/.html
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President Obama and Venezuela dictator Hugo
Chavez at the 2009 Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.
Note the "soul bro" handshake. (my caption)
Obama, Chavez shake hands at Americas Summit:
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/04/17/2698451-obama-chavez-shake-hands-at-americas-summit
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From CBS-News, July 29, 2006:
Chavez Vows To 'Stand By Iran'
After Oil Talks In Tehran, Venezuelan Leader Called 'Brother' By Ahmedinejad
"Chavez pledged that his country would 'stay by Iran at any time and under any condition,' state television reported. Ahmadinejad said he saw in Chavez a kindred spirit." "'We do not have any limitation in cooperation,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. 'Iran and Venezuela are next to each other and supporters of each other. Chavez is a source of a progressive and revolutionary current in South America and his stance in restricting imperialism is tangible.'":
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/29/world/main1847331.shtml
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http://article.wn.com/view/2009/06/16/Iran_president_visits_Russia_despite_protests/
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Google it. It’s on bloomberg, which we can’t post.
The ‘pirate’ attack could have been for real OR it could have been staged by the Iranians themselves . They could have even been ‘setup’ by the Russians to attack our ship in order to give their Iranian puppet the opportunity to intervene and win our trust, opening the door for Obama-Iran “new world order’-scheming talks. The Russians are advanced chess players. Most of us, unfortunately, can’t understand simple checkers.
From the linked article at the top:
"Maersk Line told AFP that its vessel, Maersk Texas, had "thwarted an attack by multiple pirate skiffs at noon local while transiting the Gulf of Oman, northeast of Fujairah" but denied it had been helped by the Iranian navy.
"Maersk Texas heard from the Iranian navy over radio to the initial distress call, but our vessel received no assistance from the Iranian navy," spokesman Kevin Steers said in an email sent to AFP in Washington."
That report was 591 days ago, when the ship was in the South China Sea.
Thanks. Didn't catch that. But, still, there's likely something going on here that isn't as it seems. The incident has the effect of opening the door for Obama negotiations with Ahmadinejad, something he and his puppet master in Russia wanted all along.
Yes. Really crappy, biased reporting.
Iran Navy didn't do anything but talk to them on the radio. They were not on the scene.
See other reports linked in the thread discussion.
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