The Korean heavy lift ship Dongbang Giant 2 was attacked by pirates in Celebes sea south off Bongao in Tawitawi Island, Philippines. The ship was en route from Australia to South Korea, when was boarded by two groups of heavy armed militants, belonging to Abu Sayyaf group. They took control of the ship and arrested all the crew into the mess room. The Master and two seamen were kidnapped and the pirates abandoned the ship, heading in unknown direction. The accident was reported to the Philippines anti terror teams and local authorities, while the heavy lift ship Dongbang Giant 2 headed to Bongao, where anchored.

The kidnapped people are with Korean nationalities – Master Park Chul Hing and crewman Glenn Alindajao. Currently the local authorities and anti terror teams do not reveal if the terrorists asked for ransom and contacted with them, regarding the hostages. All other crew are in good health and free, staying on board of the Korean heavy lift vessel.

The heavy lift ship Dongbang Giant 2 (IMO: 9481788) has overall length of 145.60 m, moulded beam of 38.00 m and maximum draft of 5.50 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 18,504 DWT and the gross tonnage is 11,391 GRT. The ship was built in 2008 by Yahua Shipbuilding in their shipyard in Nantong, China. The owner of the ship is South Korean company Dongbang Transport Logistics.