Reporting indicates that the Netherlands flagged vessel Bob Barker was approached by a skiff with 7-8 armed persons, South Of Cotonou.
Upon seeing the pirates, the crew mustered in citadel and the Beninese Navy guards on board fired warning shots.
After 10 minutes, the skiff left the vicinity.
The incident is the 3rd such approach within 4 days and the second in the waters West if the Nigerian EEZ. The first two regarded two tankers, M/T Wesley and Torm Alexandra, which successfully averted the attacks.
It remains highly likely that further incidents will occur within days thus reflecting the CRITICAL risk profile currently within the region. All vessels are reminded to exercise heightened vigilance and implement full hardening where possible
highlights Dryad.
