Suspicious Approach – 150nm SW Bonny

Dryad Reporting indicates that MV MAERSK CARDIFF has been approached by a small vessel. The crew have mustered in the citadel. The vessel left and the crew and vessel are safe. 

In 2020 a cluster of incidents occurred throughout the year in a triangle area south of Agbami and Egina Terminals. Since 1 December 2020 there has been 17 incidents in the Gulf of Guinea HRA, 10 of which were in this area including 5 boardings, 2 approaches, 2 incidents of shots fired and 1 attack.

There have been a surge of incidents in the past 5 weeks, resulting in an increased risk rating for the Gulf of Guinea HRA to CRITICAL on 11th November. The increase in risk profile was further underpinned by the release of an imminent attack warning by MDAT-GoG covering the waters of ECOWAS Areas F,E,D. 

Vessels are advised to operate within this area at a heightened posture maintaining the highest levels of vigilance whilst implementing full hardening / mitigation in accordance with BMP West Africa where possible. In addition the IMB advises that vessels remain at least 200nm-250nm offshore where possible. 

Owners and Operators should considering increasing Primary Hardening measures on their vessels when in West Africa. The recommendation is to install Anti-Piracy Barriers and Water Cannons to prevent a boarding from taking place. Visit http://www.arxmouldings.com/arx-abac for the market leading ARX ABaC System the only Anti-Piracy Barrier you need.