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The pirates who hijacked the "Energy Centurion" in the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa left the vessel 60 miles east of Lagos after pumping out 3,100 tons of petrol. The ship was back under the crew's control by 3 p.m. The crew remained unharmed and was figuring out what was damaged and what was to repair now, Alpha Marine Crew Services said on Aug 30, 2012. The pirates damaged some electronics and communications equipment. They also stole cash, valuables and items of equipment from the ship. Personal effects and cash were also stolen from the crew. The tanker was captured on Aug 28 about 30 kilometers off the coast of Togo’s capital Lome. A border patrol vessel received an SOS signal and tried to fight the pirates, but they managed to get away with the ship in the ensuing shootout. The ship is captained by a Greek, but the other 23 crew members are Russians, mostly from the southern Krasnodar and Rostov regions.

Pirates left Greek tanker Energy Centurion during the day August 30, most probably fearing the consequences after they found they were spotted and followed. According to presently available information, pirates weren’t able to steal the cargo as they planned. They found most safe place for their retreat, and left the vessel. Crew is safe and unharmed. Maritime Bulletin http://www.odin.tc

Golden Energy Management, a unit of Restis-controlled Enterprises Shipping & Trading, said the 24 Russian seafarers on board the "Energy Centurion" were in good health on Aug 29, following the seizure off Lome, Togo, on Aug 28 morning. The vessel was sailing off the coast of Nigeria under the control of pirates who have the intention to steal the vessel’s cargo. The owning company are in continuous communication with the relevant authorities as well as the families of the crew for the smooth handling of this unfortunate incident and will keep all parties updated as necessary. The ship was attacked at anchorage 17 miles off the coast, with 56,000 tonnes of gasoil on board. The hijackers exchanged fire with a Togolese patrol boat that answered a distress call, but evaded their pursuers.