The 33,209 dwt chemical tanker Stolt Strength came under attack again from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, according to reports.

The Stolt Tankers BV. chartered tanker had just been released after being hijacked last November and held captive for five months. (See story link)

The ordeal did not end there for the crew as the Stolt Strength ran out of bunkers after being released with the captain pleading for international naval assistance, saying he feared the vessel would be seized a second time.  A US Naval vessel eventually came to its rescue. (See story link)

The position at which the Stolt Strength was attacked on Sunday, at the southern end of the Red Sea, is alarming as it shows pirates are heading west of the Gulf of Aden, Tradewinds said.

Lloyd's List quoted a private security source saying that the ship sustained damage to its bridge and accommodation block from rocket propelled grenades and automatic gunfire.

According to Tradewinds the Stolt Strength avoided capture this time by increasing speed and taking evasive measures.

Also attacked on Sunday in the Gulf of Aden was BP Shipping's 114,809 dwt aframax crude oil tanker British Mallard.

The British Mallard was apparently in the middle of the advised Coalition 'transit corridor' for safe passage in the region when it was fired upon by pirates.

The British Mallard also escaped hijack by increasing speed and taking evasive measures, said Tradewinds.