Tanker STELIOS K hijacked 40nm South Lome

DRYAD Reports indicates that contact has been lost with the Togo flagged tanker STELIOS K (IMO8679209) while in route to Lagos. Vessels last known location was 40nm South Lome. 

AIS tracking shows that the vessel took two sharp turns off of its course and slowed from 6.6kts to stopped before AIS signal stopped. It remains unclear what the current situation is with the STELIOS K, local authorities are currently investigating. 

The Gulf of Guinea HRA was raised to a critical risk rating following 7 incidents in the past week, including 2 successful kidnappings in the last 5 days. Vessels are advised to exercise heightened caution in this region.