MDAT-GOG: 8 piracy incidents in Gulf of Guinea during October – December 2022

The incidents are categorized as follows:

#1 Hijack: 2

1. On the 13th December, MDAT-GOG received an alert from a CSO about the HIJACK of his MV (NAME WITHHELD) at 1007UTC in position 02°46N – 008°46E. The CSO noticed the change of her course when she was headed to the south of Bioko Island despite the fact she was scheduled to head to Douala. He tried to contact the crew on board without success. The MV was escorted to DOUALA after the attackers left the MV during the night of the 13th December.
2. MDAT-GOG received a report about the loss of a MT (NAME WITHHELD). The MT was no longer transmitting AIS signal (last position 01°16’31N – 004°34’29W) and did not answer phone call. After approximately 30 hours, the crew managed to contact the CSO and informed him about the situation onboard. It was reported that eight armed perpetrators managed to take control of the MT and a part of the cargo was reported stolen. An Italian Navy ship was dispatched to assist and wait on scene until the arrival of the tug in charge of the towing operation to Abidjan. Crew was reported safe and damage to the navigation and communication equipment as well as significant damage in the engine room, were reported. (Source: CSO/Master) The MT was previously hijacked on the 24th January 2022. The local authorities are continuing further investigations for illegal activities and the complicity of a part of the crew in these activities.

#2 Boarding: 3

1. On the 17th November, MDAT-GOG received a report regarding a boarding on an MV (NAME WITHHELD) the incident happened on the 15th November at 1930UTC in position 07°11N – 013°16W. Several armed attackers went on board of the MV while underway. The MV was grounded on the 16th November in the early hours and the crew took the opportunity to escape and mustered inside the citadel. The attackers left the MV after that. Local authorities had dispatched a navy asset to assist and secure the MV. She was freed after 14 days and headed to Queen Elizabeth II quay in Freetown (Sierra Leone) under escort. Some crew’s belongings and ship properties were reported stolen.
2. On the 27th October at 1958UTC, a supply vessel (NAME WITHHELD) was boarded by an unknown number of attackers in position 05°29N – 005°01E. A security vessel was dispatched in order to assist and secure the supply vessel. The crew’s belongings were reported stolen.
3. MDAT-GOG received a report of a passenger ship boarded in Cross rivers State on the 05th November. The report mentioned the use of weapons to deny an intervention of nearby security personnel.

#3 Attack: 1

1. On the 12th December at 0250UTC, a MT (NAME WITHHELD) was attacked by a small craft in position 02°25N – 008°24E. The attack failed after approximately 40 minutes. The MT reported gunshots impacts and the crew was reported safe.

#4 Robbery: 1 

On the 16th November at 0150UTC, a robbery occurred on an MV (NAME WITHHELD) whilst at Takoradi anchorage (04°54N – 001°40W). Three armed intruders were found by the duty crew member who raised the alarm. The intruders threatened the crew member before escaping. This incident was reported to the local authorities who sent security shore personnel to assist and secure the MV. Some paint drums were reported stolen during this event.

#5 Theft: 1

1. On the 10th December at 0200UTC, a theft was discovered during a routine patrol on an MV (NAME WITHHELD) whilst at Takoradi anchorage (04°54’32N – 001°41’43W). The incident was reported to the local authorities who dispatched some security officers on board. Some of the ship’s equipment was reported stolen.

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