Somali Pirates Launch Furthest Attack from Coast

9 November 2009 (Last Updated November 9th, 2009 18:30)

Somali pirates have attacked an oil tanker 1,850km off the coast of Somalia in what is thought to be the furthest attack from the shoreline to date. The Hong Kong-registered BW Lion was attacked by two skiffs firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, according to th

Somali pirates have attacked an oil tanker 1,850km off the coast of Somalia in what is thought to be the furthest attack from the shoreline to date.

The Hong Kong-registered BW Lion was attacked by two skiffs firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, according to the BBC.

Somali pirates are believed to have extended their reach using mother ships from which they launch small skiffs to attack and board commercial vessels.