Reporting indicates that MT New Ranger has been boarded 50nm SE of Agbami Terminal and 50nm SW of Egina Terminal. The crew are reportedly mustered in the citadel, with 4 perpetrators onboard.
This is the 69th incident in the JWC HRA in 2020, confirming a surge of incidents in the past 5 weeks, resulting in an increased risk rating for the Gulf of Guinea HRA to Critical on 11th November.
The previous 5 attacks in the region this week have been unsuccessful. Therefore as the rate of failed attacks increases, the perpetrators are highly likely to increase in desperation.
This is due to the increased risk to themselves from Naval counter piracy activity, but from logistical strain also. Desperation also means that attempts against vessels are highly likely to continue, further supported by a sustained period of favourable weather. Smaller vessels and those of a vulnerable design are increasingly prone to opportune targeting.
The New Ranger has previously been involved in incidents in the Gulf of Guinea in June and September 2011, January 2015 and most recently 5th December 2020, approximately 170nm west of this latest incident.
Vessels are advised to operate within this area at a heightened posture maintaining the highest levels of vigilance whilst implementing full hardening / mitigation in accordance with BMP West Africa where possible. In addition the IMB advises that vessels remain at least 200nm-250nm offshore where possible
said Dryad Global.
