Reporting by Dryad indicates that the Panama flagged product tanker Nafeli II activated her SSAS whilst in transit 94nm SW Brass.
More specifically, the vessel is understood to have been boarded, however the crew, comprised of Russian, Georgian and Ukrainian personnel are believed to be safe. Perpetrators are understood to have departed the vessel.
All vessels are reminded to maintain the highest levels of vigilance when transiting the area.
This incident is the 14th such boarding incident within the Gulf of Guinea within 2020. This number excluded vessels boarded for robbery and kidnap.
The total number for vessels illegally boarded within West Africa in 2020 is 58, tracking slightly above trend when compared to 2019.
As a result of the end of the SW Monsoons, rates of incidents have historically shown a sharp increasing trend in the later part of the year.
Vessels are reminded that all operations within this area are subject to a heightened risk profile.
