Re: Possible Hijack (TBC) / Gabon 01-241019

INCIDENT OVER

Event: Initially Reported as
Possible Hijack – so far no evidence pirates involved.

IMB Level: TBC – Incident details not confirmed

 

Date and Time: 23 October 2019

Location: 83nm S of Port Gentil, Gabon

Position: 02°04’S, 009°09’E

Distance from Shore: Approx. 12nm

 

Vessel Details

Type: FSIV

L x B: 49.38m x 8.13m

 

Event Details

Kidnapped: 0

Injured: 0

Killed: 

Security Present: None reported

Weather: Gentle Breeze / 0.6mm precipitation

Wave Height: 1m

 

Threat Details

Number of Perpetrators: Not reported

Number of Craft: Not reported

Weapons Seen: None reported

Equipment Seen: Not reported

 

Description: On evening of 23 October 2019, it was reported that the FSIV had been acting suspiciously, with AIS switched off and strange responses on VHF. There had
been no requests for support from nearby oil installations. The following morning, vessel was spotted 20nm north of her originally reported position, and nearby oil installations were alerted.

 

Vessel has since been reported as arriving at Port Gentil. There is no further information on whether any crew have been kidnapped, or if this was pirate activity.

 

UPDATE: Vessel is now in Port Gentil and been visited by law enforcement. It has been confirmed that Captain and Chief Mate are sick and have been transferred to local hospital.
No evidence so far reported of pirate activity.

 

ARC will update if further information is released.