Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Valley-Oak

In a dramatic encounter on November 11, 2020, the oil tanker 'Valley Oak' successfully evaded an armed pirate attack while navigating the deep waters off Benin. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. UTC, when the vessel was located at coordinates 03° 01.8N 002° 42.0E, nearly 198 nautical miles south of Cotonou. The pirates approached the 128-meter ship, utilizing a suspicious ‘fishing vessel’ that displayed proper navigation lights. Operating at a swift 16.5 knots, they attempted to close the distance and board the tanker. However, the crew of the 'Valley Oak' took decisive action, implementing evasive maneuvers to thwart the assault. Their quick response successfully dissuaded the pirates, who ultimately abandoned their chase and retreated. Fortunately, all personnel aboard the 'Valley Oak' were reported safe following the incident. According to Dryad Global, this attack marks the seventh reported piracy incident within the Gulf of Guinea in just a week, and the fifth occurrence in the troubled waters off Benin.

In a significant maritime transaction, Oaktree Capital has finalized the acquisition of a fleet of 14 ships, which includes a notable sale of 13 vessels en bloc for a total of $375 million. This strategic purchase expands Oaktree Capital’s portfolio in the shipping industry, marking a prominent move in the market. The deal underscores the continuous evolution and consolidation in the maritime sector as investment firms seek to capitalize on shipping opportunities.