News

The barge 'Antara Koh 18', (927 gt, built 2001) was boarded by perpetrators while being towed by the 'Capitol T 2001' at the Chittagong anchorage, on March 6, 2020, at 2.30 p.m. The perpetrators boarded the barge from some boats, cut the safety system wiring and stole the crane data-logger display, portable batteries for machinery such as a crane, generator, and hydraulic power pack, diesel and hydraulic oil. The crew of the tug contacted a passing Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) ship via VHF radio. It apprehended the perpetrators and escorted the barge to Chittagong. There were no injuries to the crews of the two vessels.

The 'Lana' was attacked by 8-10 pirates on March 27, 2020, around 4 p.m. in the Gulf of Guinea halfway between Bonny and Principe island, Sao Tome and Principo, in position 02 45 6N, 006 55 6E. It was reported that shots had been fired, either from the pirates or the embarked security team. The vessel activated anti-piracy manoeuvres and increased its speed. The pirates were unable to board the ship and moved away to the east. The attack failed and the crew and vessel were safe. The vessel was en route from Duala to Tangier with an ETA as of April 3.

On March 25, 2020, the 'Bateleur' was towing the unmanned drill platform 'Naashi' (2910 gt, built 1982), which was bound for demolition at Alang, when about four perpetrators boarded the unmanned towed vessel from a dinghy in pos. 21o24.1’ N 72°20.2′E. The master of the tug noticed the perpetrators with torches on board the 'Naashi' and raised the alarm. He also reported the incident to VTS Khambhat, who informed the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ICG Station Pipavav directed the Marine Police Alang to despatch their boats to the location . An investigation was currently ongoing, and the loss of items was still being ascertained by the investigating agencies and local agent.

Pirates attacked the 'Arasa' at Conakry anchorage in position 09 27 08.0N, 013 42 56.0W on March 27, 2020, at 02.30 a.m. Ten robbers managed to board the ship. They were able to access the vessel's accommodation area, stole cash, several electronic devices and crew's property. The robbers were reported to have spoken English and French during the theft. The bulk carrier had been anchored since its arrival from Abijan on March 21.

The 'Pyxis Theta' while in position 05 59 13N, 002 21 03E, south of Cotonou, Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, was approached by a suspect speed boat with four to five persons on board on March 26, 2020, around 08.20 ha.m No weapons were sighted; however, but some hooks were observed in the speed boat. When the tanker increased its speed, the speed boat stopped its approach and moved away.