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

ASKET Operations Team
Aug 27, 2020
2 min read

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

ATTACK

Area F 8 NM OFF FREETOWN, SIERRE LEONE

An incoming report from MMCC zone F ECOWAS, indicates that at 0030 UTC, 21 August 2020, a fishing vessel (NAME WITHHELD) was attacked and boarded by seven armed men with machetes whilst at anchorage at position 08˚ 25'N, 013˚ 07'W about 8 NM Off Freetown Port.

First incoming information reports gunshots. The perpetrators boarded the fishing vessel as the crew onboard was trying to resist and therefore sustained severe injuries. It was not stated if the injuries result of the gunshots or other weapons. The Sierra Leone Navy dispatched a Search And Rescue Team but the robbers had left before they arrived at the scene.

However, JOC informed authorities about the incident and an investigation is ongoing by the Sierra Leone Marine Police. -

THEFT

Area D POINTE NOIRE ANCHOR AGE

Duty watch reported sighting 2 persons on the forecastle deck on a tanker (NAME WITHELD). Alarms raised, crew mustered, fire pumps started. Search conducted and nobody found onboard. Robbers tried to steal mooring lines. One rope has been cut, however, no part appears missing from the vessel - Both ends still onboard, securing wires and padlocks in place.

ATTACK

Area F 114 NM SOUTH EAST OFF TEMA GHANA

On 28th August 2020 at 0431 UTC in position 04°02N-001°04E a MV(NAME WITHHELD) reported a small craft (12-14 meters) with 6-8 people on board. Metallic ladder sighted. There was an attempt made to board, vessel manoeuvred and the attempt was aborted. Vessel and crew are safe.Another rope was tampered with, but not cut. Small wooden boat was seen rowing away from the vessel.