Reporting indicates that that the MT MARIA E (IMO9337822)Â has been boarded.
The vessel is understood to be in the vicinity of the Hijacked LIANPENGYU 809. Incident ongoing.Â
This the 12th offshore incident this year and the 6th successful boarding.
This is the 4th incident to occur within 24hrs in the waters off Sao Tome. Perpetrators currently in control of the Hijacked fishing vessel LIANPENGYU 809 are believed to be responsible.
Total incidents throughout West Africa in 2020 showed a partial increase of 12% on those of 2019. Incidents involving failed approaches showed a significant increase within 2020 with 25 such incidents recorded against 10 in 2019.
Mariners are advised that the risk level for all vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea is to be considered CRITICAL.Â
It is the ARX recommendation that all owners and operators install correct and enhanced primary hardening measures. These include the ARX ABaC System and the ARX Evictor. The ARX Anti-Piracy Barrier will stop a boarding taking place.