Thailand to probe oil tanker robbery

BANGKOK, June 27 (TNA) -- Thailand has set up an investigation team to probe the oil tanker robbery by six pirates snatching 1.5 million litres of fuel in Malaysian territorial waters on Friday. The tanker, CP41, which is now docked at a port in Songkhla province, was hijacked by 7-8 armed men while carrying 3.5 million liters of diesel oil from Malaysia Friday night. All 17 crewmen were tied up while the pirates robbing 1.5 million of fuel. Vice Admiral Pornchai Pinthong, commander of the 2nd Naval Base, said the robbery took place in Malaysian waters at latitude 03.55.27 and longitude 103.52.81. He revealed that Thailand had coordinated investigation with Malaysian authorities as related agencies, including police, customs department and labor agency, had provided assistance to the investigation and crewmen. An investigation panel was set up comprising of representatives of the Marine Police and the military. He added that the nationality of the pirates was unknown. Armed with pistols and machetes, they destroyed communication devices and security alert system on the tanker as they robbed other valuables onboard before fleeing as well, he said. (TNA)