Maritime Attacks Continue Off West Africa

West African waters continue to pose risks for seafarers on board ships in the region, while incidents of piracy and armed robbery are also reported from other hotspots.

The latest incidents reported to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) 24-hour worldwide Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) include the following:

Two robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored at Lagos, Nigeria on 3 June. They were spotted by the onboard armed security guard, who fired a warning shot. The robbers escaped with ship’s stores.
Seven robbers boarded a ro-ro ship berthed at Lagos, Nigeria on 26 May. They took the duty crew member hostage, tied him up and took his radio, and then stole ship’s stores. The alarm was raised and the robbers escaped.
Three robbers tried to board a tanker anchored at Puerto Jose, Venezuela on 23 May. The alarm was raised and the robbers abandoned the attempted boarding.
Five robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier anchored at Tarahan, Indonesia on 18 May. They took the duty crew member hostage, tied him up and threatened him with knives. The alarm was raised, the ship’s horn sounded and the crew mustered. The robbers escaped with ship’s property and engine spares.
Four robbers boarded a container ship after it moored at Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria on 13 April. They were spotted by crew who raised the alarm. The robbers escaped with ship’s stores and property.

Press Release: itfseafarers.org