12 Crew Members Kidnapped By Pirates Off Nigeria

ForestWave reported that yesterday morning its general cargo vessel FWN Rapide was under attack from pirates prior to entering the port of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Based on the initial information we have received it appears sadly a number of our valued crew have been taken from the vessel.

Forestwave have had temporary contact with the remaining crew on board and are currently in the process of establishing further contact with the ship in order to verify the information. Meanwhile, the company is making arrangement to move FWN Rapide to a safe position.

ForestWave stressed that the safety of seafarers is their absolute priority. The company’s emergency response team has been activated and is monitoring the situation extremely closely. They are currently in close contact with the authorities and taking professional advice in order to secure the earliest release of those that are currently being held. Together with the local representatives in the countries of origin of our valued seafarers, they are keeping the families of the FWN Rapide crew informed about the situation.

silhouette sunset container ship — Representation Image – Photograph by Larriel Eleccion

ForestWave further added that they won’t be providing any further information in order not to jeopardise the safety of those involved.

FWN Rapide is a 2005 built vessel flying the Dutch flag and was on on its way from Takoradi, Ghana to Port Harourt.

In a more recent update, the company reported the following:

ForestWave regrets to confirm that following an attack by pirates in the early hours of Saturday, April 21 off the coast of Nigeria a total of 12 crewmembers have been taken from its general cargo vessel FWN Rapide. Two of the remaining seafarers are safe and unhurt. FWN Rapide has meanwhile been moved to a safe position.

ForestWave would like to stress its main priority is to establish contact with the missing seafarers and secure their earliest and secure return. The company’s Emergency Response team is working around the clock and is liaising with the local and international authorities. ForestWave together with its local organisations is in close contact with the families of the valued seafarers to support them in these difficult times.

Finally, ForestWave would like to compliment its two crew members for their courageous and professional handling of the situation and moving FWN Rapide to a safe location after the attack.

Press release