News

The Basque ship Iria Flavia, property of the Albacora company, suffered an attack in the Indian Ocean on Friday. When the members of the crew noticed that a boat driving at high speed was behind them, they decided to accelerate and escape.

The captain of the ship Jesus Mari Bilbao told Basque public radio station Radio Euskadi that the crew were "OK". Bilbao also said the attack took place about 2,000 metres far from the Somali coast around 08.00 am (Spanish time).

According to several media, it was impossible for the pirate''s motor boat to reach the Iria Flavia, supposedly because it suffered a breakdown.

Fortunately, nothing happened, but Bilbao said the crew were "very worried and nervous." In fact, the area where they were working is "quiet" and they never thought they "would find pirates" there.

The Iria Favia is heading to Seychelles to avoid possible attacks. The Basque vessel gives assistance to tuna boats and its crew consists of ten men: three Basque officers and seven sailors of African descent.