According to reports, four Chinese nationals from Sigapeche fishing company were kidnapped on Sunday, by pirates who attacked the two company fishing vessels off the port of Owendo in Libreville, capital of Gabon.
Specifically, the Chinese Embassy in Gabon issued a statement informing that it implemented an emergency plan soon after the attack took place, additionally assisting the company to report the matter to police and fishing officials.
It is reported that the pirates attacked four ships anchored in Libreville harbor early Sunday, killing a Gabonese and kidnapping four Chinese fishermen. Also, the pirates allegedly arrested a vessel called “Tropic Dawn” which was sailing towards Port-Gentil, with the pirates killing the master of the vessel.
Following the reports, the Embassy issued an investigation and cooperated with Gabonese authorities, calling for an investigation and search and rescue operation.
For the time being, the relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and try to track down the perpetrators.
West Africa remains a hot spot for piracy, as the recent report launched by IMB highlighted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a high risk area for piracy and armed robbery.
