Baltmed Cool Girl Attacked – 150nm of Port Harcourt

DRYAD Reports indicate that the M/V COOL GIRL has been attacked by 2 speed boats. Master carried out evasive manoeuvres, AST responded, and the speedboats subsequently left the vicinity.

Vessel and crew are safe. 

This latest incident continues the increasing trend of reported incidents in the waters off the Gulf of Guinea within the later parts of 2020. 

Details regarding the precise nature of the approach remain unclear, however, the Gulf of Guinea is currently held as CRITICAL risk operating environment, indicating incidents are highly likely expected daily. Vessels operating within the region should continue to exercise maximum vigilance and mitigation where possible.

There have currently been 118 personnel kidnapped across 24 incidents within the Gulf of Guinea in 2020.

Futher Reporting indicates that an another MT was approached by two speedboat while in transit 85nm SW Brass. Further reporting indicates that AST fired warning short resulting in the speedboats departing the scene. 

Vessel and crew are safe. 

It is recommended that Owners and Operators consider upgrading hardening measures for vessels going in to West Africa. The ARX ABaC System Anti Piracy Barrier and the ARX Evictor Water Cannon can be used to prevent boardings from taking place.