Reporting indicates that the M/V COOL GIRL has been attacked by 2 speed boats, off Port Harcourt. Master performed evasive manoeuvres, AST responded, and the speedboats subsequently left the vicinity. The ships and the crew are safe.
This latest incident continues the increasing trend of reported incidents in the waters off the Gulf of Guinea within the later parts of 2020.
Details regarding the precise nature of the approach remain unclear, however, the Gulf of Guinea is currently held as critical risk operating environment, indicating incidents are highly likely expected daily. Vessels operating within the region should continue to exercise maximum vigilance and mitigation where possible.
There have currently been 118 personnel kidnapped across 24 incidents within the Gulf of Guinea in 2020.
This incident comes after another vessel that was approached by two speedboat while in transit 85nm SW Brass. Further reporting indicated that AST fired warning shots resulting in the speedboats departing the scene.
