Product Tanker Attacked by Pirates in the Atlantic Ocean

May 20, 2024 (12:17 CEST) – EOS Risk Group, a maritime security firm, has issued a high-confidence incident alert regarding a pirate attack on a product tanker in the Atlantic Ocean.

Details of the Incident:

Date: May 17, 2024
Location: Approximately 363 nautical miles south-southwest of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde
Vessel: The name of the product tanker is not disclosed.
Attackers: Ten pirates armed with AK-47 assault rifles.

Incident Summary:

The pirates boarded the underway vessel and took control of the bridge, tying up the crew. They intended to steal the cargo and bunkers (fuel on board). While waiting for a possible off-load vessel, the pirates stole crew and ship property. They then confined the crew in the steering gear room, claiming the presence of explosives on the doors.

Outcome:

The pirates escaped after damaging communication, navigation equipment, and engine controls.
No crew members were injured.
No cargo or bunkers were stolen.
The crew managed to sail the vessel to a safe port.

Guidance for Mariners:

Vessels operating in the region are advised to follow the Best Management Practices for West Africa (BMP WA) guidelines to strengthen their security measures.
Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Maritime Domain Awareness for the Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GOG).

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