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IMB warns of West Africa piracy threat

Nigeria, Benin and Togo are dangerous areas for ships transiting West African waters The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is asking ships to be extra vigilant when transiting West Africa as piracy in the region becomes a growing concern.IMB'sLive Piracy Map shows that since the beginning of the year, one vessel, MT Kerala, has been hijacked and six were boarded in West Africa. There was also one attempted attack.The hijacking of the Liberian-flag product tanker in January by Nigerian pirates has sparked fears these gangs are venturing further south.In that incident, the pirates hijacked the MT Kerala off the coast of Luanda in Angolan waters. The vessel was released by the pirates eight days later after the cargo was illegally transferred in a ship-to-ship operation along the West African coast. Whilst the incident shows the willingness of these gangs to venture further to commit their crime, it also raises concern due to the violence associated with such hijackings. One crew member was injured while the vessel was under the custody of the pirates.The IMB has warned in itsannual piracy report of the dangers to ships transiting West African waters particularly around Nigeria, Benin and Togo, and urge continued vigilance as ...

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