A Japanese bulk carrier foiled a pirate attack yesterday in the Strait of Malacca off Indonesia's coast, days after two UN-chartered vessels were raided by pirates in the same area. The attacks raised concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and a key link between Asia and Europe. The waterway had become largely peaceful last year following increased patrols by Indonesia's navy. Noel Choong of the London-based International Maritime Bureau said the watchdog was extremely concerned by the three latest attacks in the same area. "We have informed the Indonesian authorities, and we hope they will take action to contain the problem," said Mr Choong, who heads up the IMB's anti-piracy centre in Kuala Lumpur.
In the latest attack, pirates travelling on a blue-hulled unlit speedboat off the coast of Indonesia's Aceh province followed the 26,000-tonne Japanese vessel, and attempted to board it by the stern. But an alert duty officer raised the alarm. The crew turned on floodlights and sprayed the raiders with water from fire hoses, preventing them from boarding.