INCIDENT OVER – ONGOING THREAT TO VESSELS
Event: Kidnap for Ransom
Date and Time: 17 June 2020, 1200hrs local
Location: 210nm WSW of Bayelsa, Nigeria
Position: 02°36.1’N, 002°45.1’E
Distance from Shore: 210nm
Vessel Details
Type: Oil/Chemical Tanker
L x B: 116m x 20m
Speed: 11kts
Event Details
Kidnapped: 13
Injured: TBC
Killed: TBC
Security Present: None
Weather: Moderate Breeze / 0mm precipitation
Wave Height: N/A
Threat Details
Number of Perpetrators: 8
Number of Craft: 1 speed boat
Weapons Seen: Pirates described as “armed”
Equipment Seen: Not reported
Description: It has been reported that a vessel was attacked and crew members kidnapped. The incident took place 210nm from the Nigerian Bayelsa coast and outside of the Nigerian EEZ. Vessels that were drifting in the area have now dispersed,
likely because the incident.
The threat to other vessels remains – pirates have attacked other vessels after successful attacks.
UPDATE: It has been confirmed that the vessel was an oil/chemical tanker that was sailing south from Lomé, Togo. The vessel was making about 11kts when attacked by 8 pirates in a speed boat and she slowed down to 3.8kts, likely due to the
pirate actions. Vessel is now NNW at 8kts, although it is not confirmed if it is under command.
UPDATE 2: Following a statement from the vessel’s management company, it has been confirmed that 13 crew of Ukrainian and Russian nationality were kidnapped. A reefer vessel owned by same owners of the tanker’s management company provided
assistance to the tanker, which arrived at Cotonou anchorage on 19 July. Vessel remains at Cotonou anchorage.
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