A total of 14 crew members were abducted from two vessels in two separate piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea on 2 July, according to reports by ReCAAP Focal Point (Singapore). The first incident occurred onboard a FPSO while anchored at Okwori field offshore, Nigeria and the second incident on a general cargo ship while drifting in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Singaporean-flagged general cargo ship Kota Budi was approximately 185 nm from nearest ashore, Gulf of Guinea, on 2 July.
While the ship was drifting and awaiting for the next order, the AB came on the bridge to start his watch duty and found there was no one on the bridge.
The chief officer later found five crew comprising master, chief engineer, 3rd officer, electrical engineer and chief cook missing. The remaining 15 crew onboard the ship were safe.
The company reported the incident to MDAT-GOG, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and a security company for assistance. The company is currently working with the local authorities to find the missing crew.
Meanwhile, the Singaporean-flagged FPSO ‘Sendje Berge’ was at Okwori field offshore Nigeria, in the early morning hours of 2 July.
While at anchor, armed pirates boarded the vessel and kidnapped nine crew onboard.
The remaining crew were not harmed. The FPSO vessel is permanently moored in the Okwori field offshore, Nigeria.
