Working Conditions Aboard the Tulja-Tanvi

In the early hours of October 28, 2010, at approximately 00:30 hrs, the Hong Kong-flagged crude oil tanker StarLight Venture (IMO: 9297539) experienced a harrowing encounter while navigating roughly 340 nautical miles west of Mangalore, India (coordinates 13.16N, 068.59E). The vessel was approached by two small crafts manned by an unknown number of assailants who appeared to be pirates. Armed with firearms, the attackers opened fire on the tanker, resulting in extensive damage with around 50 bullet holes peppering the accommodation doors and shattered fixtures in the foremast lighting. In a commendable display of seamanship, the StarLight Venture's crew took immediate evasive action, ramping up the vessel's speed to 16 knots. This swift maneuver successfully deterred the pirates, allowing the tanker to escape without any injuries to the crew. The incident has been reported to the regional maritime security agency, ReCAAP, highlighting ongoing piracy threats in the area.