The piracy situation in West Africa has descended to new lows with a VLCC raided by armed men yesterday and 19 crew kidnapped. The attack on the Anglo-Eastern-managed Nave Constellation took place 66 nautical miles south of Bonny Offshore Terminal, and 24 nautical miles east of the Egina FPSO.
took place 66 nautical miles south of Bonny Offshore Terminal, and 24 nautical miles east of the Egina FPSO.Nineteen crew members were reportedly kidnapped, including eighteen Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel was laden and outbound from the Bonny Offshore Terminal, underway at approximately 13.3 knots. It was not under escort at the time of the attack, security consultants Ambrey pointed out in an alert.
The Nave Constellation is owned by Navios Maritime Acquisition according to VesselsValue.
A spokesperson for the owner and the manager of the tanker commented today: “Navios as Owners and Anglo Eastern as Technical and Crew Managers’s prime concern is the safety and early return of the 19 persons taken by the pirate gang. All the appropriate authorities, including the Flag State, have been alerted and are responding and all the necessary action is being taken to secure their wellbeing and early release.”
Although attacking a VLCC is a modern development, I recall chartering a coaster for a voyage to West Africa almost forty years ago. This was due attacked by pirates of the coast of Nigeria but the only thing taken was a pack of the master’s new y-fronts!
Situation need to be improved for security of expacts in Nigeria. Govt need to beef up tbe security specially in the coastal area.
One of our chartered vessels owned by Angelacoussis was atacked at anchor outside Cotonou in the 80s.They came onboard with machine guns and shot the master and robbed thesafe and the crews belongings.When the port authorities were called for help on the VHF nobody replied.So we know why piracy is a growing business on that coast.
Security to areas like these must be improved.
As in the view of globalisation it will affect business growth definitely if security procedures and plans are not improved.
Pray for early return of all the people.
This issue has to be addressed. Needs security on a higher level. It’s very clear things are beyond control still certain level of security needs to be improved.
Private companies are providing armed guards.