1) 0420 UTC Nov 17  ; Cargo ship attacked, probably Aframax crude oil tanker

Posted in Maritime Security by Mikhail Voytenko on Nov 17, 2020 at 06:48.

Cargo ship was attacked at 0420 UTC Nov 17 in Gulf of Guinea some 60 nm due south from Lome Togo. The ship wasn’t identified, but according to tracks of the ships in the area, it is most probably, Aframax tanker SKS DONGGANG (IMO 9461855), en route from Namibia to Lagos Nigeria. If it’s SKS DONGGANG, she may well escape, or so it looks from her track, meaning she escaped boarding. Awaiting ship’s ID confirmation, more details.
FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/

2) 0400 UTC Nov 16 ; Coaster attacked, most of the crew kidnapped, Gulf of Guinea

Posted in Maritime Security by Mikhail Voytenko on Nov 16, 2020 at 12:26.

General cargo ship AM DELTA was attacked and boarded by pirates at around 0400 UTC Nov 16 in Gulf of Guinea some 160 nm west of Malabo, Bioko island, Equatorial Guinea. Reportedly, all but two crew were kidnapped, all of Guinean nationality. The ship is trading in regional waters since Nov 2019, between mostly ports of Cameroon and Ghana. The ship was adrift for some time, resumed moving in about two hours after attack, and as of 1210 UTC Nov 16, was under way at some 5 knots speed, understood heading towards her initial port of destination, Takoradi, Ghana.
Attacks and kidnapping of the crews manning ships, engaged in regional trade, is somewhat different story from piracy affecting international shipping and ships.

FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/

3)1500 UTC Nov 13;  Chinese heavy lift ship attacked 14 crew kidnapped UPDATE 1 wounded

Posted in Maritime Security by Mikhail Voytenko on Nov 14, 2020 at 04:19.

Nov 15 UPDATE: At least one crew was wounded during the attack, first aid rendered by Italian Navy frigate team. Later he was taken by frigate helicopter to Sao Tome hospital.

Nov 15 UPDATE: Reportedly, 14 out of total 27 crew were kidnapped, ship’s AIS is on. As of 0300 UTC Nov 15 she was steaming towards Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Cargo ship was attacked at around 1500 UTC Nov 13 in Gulf of Guinea some 80 nm NW of Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe. Most probably it’s a Chinese heavy lift ship ZHEN HUA 7, which is cruising in Gulf of Guinea waters off Sao Tome and Principe since mid-October, for . The ship reportedly was boarded by pirates, some crew may be kidnapped, but there’s no confirmed information yet on the outcome of an attack. AIS missing since 2000 UTC Nov 13.
Understood situation in region will remain dangerous until pirates kidnap enough crews to extort substantial ransom sum or sums. Each failed attack means there will be soon new one.

FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/

4) 0120 UTC Nov 11; Tanker attacked, situation developing, Gulf of Guinea UPDATES escaped

Posted in Maritime Security by Mikhail Voytenko on Nov 11, 2020 at 02:58.

Merchant ship was attacked in Gulf of Guinea some 85 nm SSW of Lagos Nigeria, at around 0120 UTC Nov 11. Understood it’s Greek-operated product tanker JANE (IMO 9364588, dwt 51505), crossing attack site at the time of attack. After passing attack site, ship’s movements became chaotic, she was probably, either out of control after pirates boarded the ship, or trying to avoid pirates boarding. As of 0245 UTC Nov 11, situation seemed to be the same, so probably, it’s still developing. JANE is en route from Las Palmas to Lagos, ETA Nov 11. Ship’s ID, details, not yet confirmed.
UPDATE: ID, details confirmed, awaiting further development.

UPDATE 1320 UTC: Tanker escaped attack, arrived at Lagos anchorage at around 0900 UTC, anchored. Crew are safe.

FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/

5)0600 UTC Nov 7 ; Tanker attacked, boarded, adrift, Gulf of Guinea UPDATE

Posted in Maritime Security by Mikhail Voytenko on Nov 07, 2020 at 10:05.

Nov 8 UPDATE: Resumed sailing at around 2100 UTC Nov 7, all crew reportedly, are safe and accounted for, all mustered in citadel during attack.

Product tanker TORM ALEXANDRA was attacked and understood, boarded, at around 0600 UTC Nov 7 in Gulf of Guinea, some 180 nm SE of Lome, Togo, while en route from Lome Anchorage to West Africa, port of destination not specified. As of 0900 UTC tanker was adrift, awaiting further development.

FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/