Update – Attack / Nigeria 01-270219

From: <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at 10:35
Subject: Attack / Nigeria 01-270219

INCIDENT OVER – ONGOING THREAT TO VESSELS IN THE AREA

Event: Illegal Boarding

IMB Level: 2

 

Date and Time: 27^th February 2019, 0905hrs UTC

Location: 71nm SW of Bonny Fairway Buoy, Nigeria EEZ

Position: 03°18.4’N, 006°13.5’E

Distance from Shore: Approx. 60nm

 

Vessel Details

Type: Crude Tanker

L x B: 274m x 48m

 

Event Details

Kidnapped: 0

Injured: 0

Killed: 0

Security Present: Unconfirmed.

Weather: Light Breeze / 0mm precipitation

Wave Height: 0.9m

 

Threat Details

Number of Pirates: 16

Number of Craft: 2 speed boats

Weapons Seen: Firearms

Equipment Seen: Not reported

 

Description: Crude tanker was attacked and boarded by pirates. According to several reports, crew have mustered in the citadel.

 

Update: Whilst sailing to Port Harcourt, the tanker was approached by 2 skiffs with 8 pirates on board each. The pirates fired at the tanker and 7 pirates boarded the vessel. The crew mustered in the citadel
and enacted anti-piracy procedures. AIS stated that armed guards were onboard, however reports do not indicate that this was correct. A security vessel was sent to support the vessel. By 1100hrs local, the pirates had left the vessel and crew and vessel confirmed
as safe.

 

It was reported that the pirates were remaining in the area. All vessels in the area should be vigilant against possible approaches by speed boats as the pirates will likely wait for another target.