Korean ship attacked by pirates in South China Sea

A Korean ship was attacked by pirates in the South China Sea, leaving two sailors injured.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said that pirates boarded a Korean cargo ship, located 100 miles northeast of Singapore, in the early hours of Monday morning, stealing $13,300 in cash and the crews’ personal items such as clothes and mobile phones.

The ministry explained that seven pirates boarded the ship using a speed boat at 4:25 am, overpowered the crew, stole their belongings and fled the scene within 30 minutes.

The ship’s captain and second officer sustained minor injuries, but no other damages were reported.

The ship, which has now continued on its original course, was sailing from Brazil to Incheon.

The ministry said it would strengthen monitoring of Korean vessels in the area to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

BY CHAE YUN-HWAN [chae.yunhwan@joongang.co.kr]