1 killed, 7 abducted in pirate attack on Vietnamese vessel

Seven crew members of a Vietnamese vessel were reportedly abducted by unidentified armed men, who attacked their ship near Baguan Island, Taganak in Tawi-Tawi Sunday night, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

One was confirmed dead due to the incident, PCG Spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said.

Investigation revealed that the MV Giang Hai "encountered a piracy attack" at 7:10 p.m. Sunday about 17 nautical miles off North of Pearl Bank, before it drifted near Baguan Island, Taganak.

The ship had a total of 25 crew members. Seventeen were later rescued by the local Coast Guard personnel.

It was learned that the Vietnamese Coast Guard called up the PCG to inform it about the incident. PCG personnel and Philippine Marines later launched a maritime patrol off Baguan Island.

The ill-fated vessel was towed to the Taganak anchorage area at around 11 a.m. Monday.

Authorities, however, have yet to determine where the pirates brought the seven abducted crew members even as a preliminary investigation was already under way.

The identity of the lone fatality was still being verified, Balilo said.

Meanwhile, the PCG has already issued a notice to mariners while a pursuit operation in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippines National Police was still being conducted.