A recent incident involving a product tanker boarded by pirates more than 100 nautical miles south of the Nigerian coast has raised concerns about the safety of maritime trade in the region. According to reports from Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), the incident occurred on April 21, and four individuals were involved.
The Incident
The pirates approached the vessel at high speed in a black-hulled craft and remained aboard for nearly four hours, taking personal property and equipment from the vessel before fleeing. Fortunately, the crew was well-prepared and remained safe throughout the incident, fleeing to the citadel where they remained until the pirates left.
Analysis
Security consultants Neptune P2P Group highlighted that the captain and crew’s preparedness and quick response likely prevented a more serious outcome. The incident is a reminder of the high risks that still exist in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, where piracy and kidnapping remain significant concerns.
Regional Risks
The Gulf of Guinea has seen a resurgence of pirate activity in recent years, with incidents reported in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. According to MDAT-GoG’s data, there have been four incidents in April alone, including attempted robberies and boardings.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident, a well-known fashion designer from Port Harcourt, Hope Georgewill, was kidnapped and later murdered by pirates. The Nigerian authorities have been working to combat piracy in the region, with recent operations resulting in the recovery of weapons and equipment.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks in the Gulf of Guinea and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among regional authorities and the maritime industry to prevent and respond to pirate activity.
Top image credit:Pirates attack suezmax tanker off Gulf of Guinea lloydslist CC
Sources:
- Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
- Neptune P2P Group
- EOS Group
Related Links:
