The Cook Islands prime minister, Henry Puna, has sent his thoughts and prayers to the victims of the attack on a Cook Islands-flagged ship in the Mediterranean.
The cargo ship, registered in the Cook Islands but owned by a Turkish group, was targeted last week by an aircraft belonging to Libyan forces.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
The ship's second officer was killed and several crew members injured when a fire broke out on board.
Mr Puna says his government is extending heart felt condolences to the family and friends of the dead officer following the unprovoked attack.