Boarding upgraded to Kidnapping of 5 crew – 108nm South Cotonou

Dryad reporting indicates that the F/V IRIS S (IMO8210493) was attacked and boarded 108nm South Cotonou resulting in the kidnap of 5 crew.

The vessel is understood to have been approached by one speedboat with 8 pirates onboard. The vessel was reportedly attacked by armed men on two speedboats. 

Pirates are understood to have stolen crew properties and kidnapped 5 crew members understood to be comprised of the following individuals:

Captain- S. Korean

Chief Officer- S. Korean

Second Officer – S. Korean

Chief Engineer – S. Korean

Engineer – Filipino

Dryad Analysis

This latest incident follows a recent threat warning issued by MDAT-GoG indicating a HEIGHTENED risk from piracy within the following areas:

05°00’N – 002°30’E

05°00’N – 005°00’E

02°30’N – 005°00’E

02°30’N – 002°30’E

Thus far within 2021 there have been 61 personnel kidnapped across 6 incidents from vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea.

Trends across the past 18 months have indicated a broadening of the piratical footprint within the Gulf of Guiana, beyond the traditional heartland of the Nigerian EEZ. Incidents of kidnapping throughout the Gulf of Guinea are currently tracking below 2020 volumes with 6 incidents recorded in 2021 against 11 over the same time frame in 2020. Despite this volumes of personnel kidnapped are showing a slight increase with 61 personnel kidnapped in 2021 against 57 across the same time frame in 2020.

ARX recommends following best management practices and installing Anti-Piracy Barriers and Water Cannons to prevent boardings taking place. To find out more about the ARX ABaC System the the Evictor Water Cannon visit the product pages http://www.arxmouldings.com/arx-abac