INCIDENT ONGOING
Event: Illegal Boarding
IMB Level: 1
Date and Time: 19 April 2020, 0640LT
Location: Cotonou Anchorage, Benin
Position: 06°16.998N 002°32.298E
Distance from Shore: 4.5nm
Vessel Details
Type: Containership
L x B: 255m x 37m
Event Details
Kidnapped: TBC
Injured: TBC
Killed: TBC
Security Present: TBC
Weather: Gentle Breeze / 1.1mm precipitation (thunderstorm)
Wave Height: 1.5m
Threat Details
Number of Perpetrators: TBC
Number of Craft: 1 speedboat
Weapons Seen: TBC
Equipment Seen: TBC
Description. Containership reported as under pirate attack in Cotonou Anchorage.
UPDATE: Containership reported as being attacked and boarded by pirates. 11 crew members reported inside the Citadel, 8 crew members currently remain unaccounted for.
It has been reported that a Portuguese Warship is in the vicinity.
UPDATE 2: At 1600hrs, 19 April 2020, Nigerian Navy deployed a Navy vessel with a team of Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) onboard to assist the Benin Navy – NN vessel arrived at Cotonou Anchorage at approx. 2030hrs, 19 April
2020. There are 2 Benin Navy vessels by the containership as well. Based on this, it would seem that pirates remain onboard with a potential hostage situation. Social media reports corroborate this. As of 0900hrs, 20 April, no further information.
ARC will update when further information is received.
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