MDAT GoG (West Africa) Weekly Piracy Report #marsec #piracy

ASKET Operations Team
Aug 16, 2019
2 min read

Five events have been reported to MDAT-GoG this week.

HIJACK

12/08/2019

GHANA / TOGO border

On the 12th August 2019, at 0130Z a tanker (NAME WITHHELD) was reported hijacked as she was entering GHANA EEZ between LOME, TOGO and AFLAO, GHANA. Further investigation identified that the vessels AIS was turned off as she entered GHANA EEZ.

Additional information indicated that at approximately 2200hours on Tuesday 13 August 2019 the vessel was drifting South of Newtown along the GHANA – IVORY COAST maritime boundary. The vessel is believed to have run out of fuel.

Investigations are ongoing.

MDAT-GoG comment : These events refers to ADVISORY 001/AUG/19

THEFT

14/08/2019

Onne port, Nigeria

On the 14 th August 2019 at 0200Z as she was inport in ONNE, NIGERIA, a supply vessel (NAME WITHHELD) was approched by two men on board a canoe. One of them managed to climb on board but was immediately spoted by the duty officer who raised the alarm. The Port security authorities were immediately informed. The first man then ran away with the canoe and left the second alone on board the vessel wich lead to his arrest by the local autorities.

MDAT-GoG comment : Nil.

ATTACK

14/08/2019

175/52 CALABAR, NIGERIA

On the 14th August 2019 at 1050Z, as she was sailing 50 nm to the south of CALABAR, NIGERIA, a TANKER (NAME WITHHELD) sighted a suspicious craft approaching with a CPA equal to zéro. As the tanker tried to clear the boat, the intruders started chasing her and opened fired at the merchant vessel. The alarm was raised and all crew mustered in citadel. The tanker immediately increased to maximum speed. The boat finally aborted the approach. All crew and vessel was reported safe.

MDAT-GoG comment : The type of attacking boat and the number of attackers remain unknown. This events refers to ADVISORY 002/AUG/19

HIJACK

15/08/2019

DOUALA ANCHORAGE

On the 15th August 2019 at 0118Z, whilst anchored in DOUALA anchorage, CAMEROON, a merchant vessel (NAME WITHHELD) was boarded by pirates armed with AK47. Despite a distress call on VHF16, and the quick response of the CAMEROON NAVY, the pirates escaped.

MDAT GoG comment : This is the first event on the 15th August 2019 and is related in WARNING 001/AUG/19

HIJACK

15/08/2019

DOUALA ANCHORAGE

On the 15th August 2019 at 0239Z, whilst anchored in DOUALA anchorage, CAMEROON, a merchant vessel (NAME WITHHELD) reportedly sent a distress call on VHF 16. The MAYDAY was received by vessels nearby who raised the alarm by phone to MDAT. Shortly after the event, the vessel did not respond to calls on VHF16.

The CAMEROON NAVY’s patrol boat was sent to the location.

MDAT GoG comment : This event took place at the same time and location of the event related in WARNING 001/AUG/19 no new warning or update was sent

Contact the MDAT-GoG:

E-mail: watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org

Phone : +33 (0) 2 98 22 88 88 (emergency)

Phone : +33 (0) 2 98 22 13 02 (exercise)