Piracy Attacks surge in West Africa
Since the removal of the HRA at the beginning of this year and a steady decline in piracy across the globe, we have been monitoring traditional hotspots like West Africa.
Reports from Navies, operating in the Gulf of Guinea, have recently highlighted a credible threat and risk to merchant vessels transiting waters near Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. Their intelligence suggests the presence of a pirate action group (PAG), known to remain offshore for several days before targeting vulnerable vessels.
This year there have been some notable piracy incidents:
• A Swiss bulker was boarded by pirates off Conakry in Guinea, resulting in multiple crew injuries.
• The captain, first mate, and second mate were kidnapped from the Stamford-based shipowner’s 58,000-dwt Glebe Bulker off the coast of Gabon. The seafarers were returned safely after three weeks.
• The 13,700-dwt tanker Monjasa Reformer was attacked off the Republic of the Congo, resulting in the abduction of six seafarers – who were safely recovered earlier in May.
• Hai Soon Diesel & Trading’s 6,100-dwt Success 9 was boarded 556 km off the Ivory Coast, leaving the ship ‘missing’ for six days. All crew were reported safe.
However, a recent increase in this month’s incidents has indicated a concerning escalation in the region’s security situation. This month we have seen three major piracy incidents, prompting renewed warnings from security services about increased danger in the area. In one of these incidents, six crewmembers were reportedly kidnapped, while in another, shots were fired.
The joint UK-French monitoring operation, Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), has confirmed these incidents and issued alerts for the three attacks between June 28 and July 1, with two occurring in the region near the port of Douala in Cameroon.
On June 30, armed pirates in several speedboats approached two Chinese registered fishing vessels, Hai Lu Feng 13 and Hai Lu Feng 14, which were transiting the Wouri River in tandem. The Cameroon military, present on the fishing vessels, engaged the pirates, resulting in an exchange of gunfire, likely leading to the death of one pirate.
Approximately an hour later, the Panama-registered general cargo ship, identified as Oya 1, was attacked in the same area while at anchor. Several individuals boarded the cargo ship, and six crewmembers were abducted. Promptly responding to the distress call, the Cameroon military escorted the vessel to the dock at Douala.
These incidents occurred only two days after the crew of Maersk Roubaix (13,800 dwt) spotted three intruders while their vessel was anchored in Takoradi, Ghana. The crew’s timely alarm frightened off the intruders, who managed to escape with the stolen ship’s stores.
This increase in piracy has drawn international attention, leading to a UN Security Council meeting to address the surge in attacks. The Council has called upon member nations to support local authorities’ efforts in preventing such incidents and safeguarding maritime trade and crew safety in the region. As piracy continues to pose a significant threat to West Africa, urgent and concerted efforts are needed from the international community, regional authorities, and shipowners.
Seafarers and vessels operating in these waters have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and exercise caution when navigating this area.
To learn more about our services, or about our maritime security reports, please contact us at enquires@priavosecurity.com and schedule a consultation with one of our experts.