Thenamaris Seaking – Attempted Boarding 74nm SW Port Gentil

Dryad Reporting indicates that that the MT SEAKING (IMO:9292187) has reported sighting a small boat being launched from a suspected mother vessel. Reports indicate that the boat came alongside and the attackers attempted to board the vessel using ladders. The master is understood to have taken evasive action.  

The boarding is understood to have failed and vessel and crew are safe. 

This the 10^th offshore incident this year and the 6th vessel to be approached. Notably this is the second attack recorded within 2021 that occurred out with the JWRC HRA. 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. 

It is highly likely that the attack was perpetrated by the same grouping that targeted the SEA PHANTOM on the 6th February. It is highly likely that further incidents will occur within the coming days. As such the risk level for all vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea is to be considered CRITICAL. 

Dryad advises all vessels to avoid the vicinity of the reported incident, reporting all suspicious activity to the relevant maritime authorities. 

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.