Cosco-Asia Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

Newly released footage captures the alarming moment the COSCO ASIA was targeted during an attack last Saturday in the Suez Canal. The video, shared by the group Al Furqan, displays members launching two RPGs at the massive containership as it navigated through the critical maritime route. With the al-Qaeda flag prominently featured, Al Furqan, notorious for its activities in Syria and Palestine, underscored its claims of responsibility. Following the incident, American security firm Nexus Consulting raised concerns about the safety of vessels in the Suez Canal, emphasizing a lack of accurate reporting about the attack's aftermath. "Vessels transiting the canal must exercise the utmost vigilance," warned Nexus. They speculated that not all perpetrators were apprehended as claimed by the Egyptian military; at least one was reportedly able to disseminate the attack video online, suggesting that the actual suspects may have escaped. Despite this unsettling event, the Suez Canal remains categorized as a low-risk area by insurance companies, and shipping firms remain hopeful that this incident is an isolated occurrence. On the ground, military presence has surged, with armed forces reportedly stationed along the canal's banks, as confirmed by the Suez Canal Authority, which stated that military control over all installations in the area has been enhanced. Nevertheless, Nexus Consulting cautioned, "There are now known individuals of Al Furqan seeking to disrupt the canal with extreme means, including deadly force." Ship owners and operators are advised to stay alert and prioritize security measures as they navigate these waters. For further viewing, watch the attack footage here: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buS4mfEX3w0)

In a concerning incident on August 31, the cargo ship 'Cosco Asia' faced an RPG attack during its transit through the eastern section of the El-Sharqiya canal. Kevin Doherty, the chief of Nexus Consulting, an American security firm, reported that the RPG struck a top-tier container, causing significant damage to the hatch adjacent to the accommodation area. Gunfire incidents were also documented during this aggressive encounter. Following the attack, the 'Cosco Asia' secured docking at Port Said. The Nexus Consulting team promptly urged vessels navigating the canal to reduce any interactions with the shoreline, ensuring that both the canal pilot team and the riding gang were properly vetted before boarding. They strongly advised the use of pilot ladders solely on the ship's western side, with northbound rigging on the port side and southbound rigging on the starboard side. Crew members were instructed to limit their presence on deck unless absolutely necessary, apply ballistic film on windows if available, and wear protective gear while on the bridge wings. Furthermore, cargo ships operating between the Red Sea and Aqaba in Jordan were advised to adopt additional security precautions.

On August 31, 2013, an explosion occurred aboard the COSCO Asia, belonging to the Cosco Line, when a gas container unexpectedly blew up. This incident took place near the 32-kilometer mark of the Suez Canal, close to the Cape station, while the vessel was part of a northbound convoy consisting of 20 ships. The explosion was attributed to excessive pressure build-up in the gas container resulting from high temperatures and adverse weather conditions. Eyewitness accounts indicate that thick smoke erupted from the burning container. In response to the emergency, naval forces, border guards, and military aircraft were promptly deployed to the scene. However, a military source clarified that the COSCO Asia had not been targeted in an attack; the explosion was solely due to the volatile nature of the gas under high-pressure conditions. Despite the occurrence, the ship continued its journey through the canal without major disruptions.