VLCC BW Lion evaded attack

Singapore - 10 November 2009

At 0813 GMT on Monday 9 November, BW Lion, a vessel operated by BW Maritime, was attacked by two pirate boats. BW Lion, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) commanded by Captain Sunil Fredrick Mani, successfully evaded the attack through evasive maneuvers and increased speed. No injuries, casualties or environmental damage were reported. The incident took place at 1º10”S & 61º32E, about 900 miles off the coast of Somalia.

The vessel has 30 people on board. BW Lion is carrying 281,390 metric tonnes of crude oil from West Africa to India and is now on course to her destination. Minor damage to the vessel was sustained.

Captain Mani, born in 1961, has over 24 years of sea experience, of which 12 years were spent in command of VLCCs. He joined BW as captain in 2001.


About BW Lion
BW Lion is under Hong Kong flag and classed ABS. She is a 298,567 deadweight tonnes crude oil carrier built in 2004.