Expat killed by pirates identified

Details have emerged of the Asian man who was killed when a Bahraini dhow was attacked by pirates.

The fisherman was killed by pirates on Saturday after his boat wandered off Bahraini territorial waters. According to a reliable source, he was identified as 27-year-old Pankajbhai Ishwarbhai Tandel from India.

Speaking to DT News, Fishermen’s Protection Society official Jassim Al Jeran said it was the fisherman’s mistake to venture out of Bahraini waters.

“We are always trying to spread awareness about the restrictions during fishing. From what I heard, he sailed out of Bahraini waters for fishing. Some fishermen want to go out of the territorial waters in hope of a better catch. I urge all fishermen to be cautious and to remain within the Bahraini waters,” he said.

On Saturday the Interior Ministry’s Police Media website published a report confirming that an Asian sailor died following the attacks.

The Coast Guard Commander announced on Saturday that an Asian sailor was killed when a Bahraini dhow was attacked by pirates outside the Kingdom’s territorial waters.

He said the Public Prosecutor was informed once the dhow arrived at a maritime checkpoint near Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bridge in Hidd.

The GCC authorities concerned were also notified for necessary action and precautionary measures.

He urged all sailors to remain within the fishing areas in the Bahraini territorial waters and avoid crossing maritime borders as instructed by the Coast Guard for their safety and to avoid legal action against them.