The Portuguese Navy has carried out a security operation off the Algarve coast after an armed boarding was reported on a Liberian-flagged containership, according to Maritime Executive.
The vessel involved, the Odysseus (39,420 dwt), managed by Greece-based Cosmoship, was sailing from Virgo to Malga when it issued a distress call late on September 3. The crew reported that intruders were on board as the ship passed near Lagos, Portugal. Early media accounts suggested that at least two crewmembers had locked themselves in the engine room for safety.
After the alert, the ship diverted to a position about six nautical miles off the coast, where it was boarded by the Portuguese Navy. Authorities directed the containership to the port of Sines for a more thorough inspection.
Local media noted that two crewmembers were released from the engine room once the situation stabilized, and an initial sweep of the vessel did not reveal any intruders still on board.
Portuguese media reported that two armed and hooded individuals were seen on the vessel but are believed to have escaped before naval forces arrived. Local tabloids suggested they may have been linked to a drug cartel
