Pirates Attack Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Guinea Offshore West Africa

An oil and chemical vessel owned by a Danish shipping company was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea offshore West Africa, a spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday.

According to the spokesperson, the 16 crew members of the Monjasa Reformer tanker sought safety in the safe room of the vessel after the pirates boarded the vessel.

They added that there is no communication with the ship at all.

Montec Ship Management, which is owned by the shipping company Monjasa, operates the Monjasa Reformer.

According to the company, Montec Ship Management is currently collaborating with all authorities in the region offshore of the Republic of Congo, including several navies.

In recent years, pirates have made the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa their preferred destination. Off the western coast of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, a significant hub for oil production with eight countries that export oil, is now recognized as the most dangerous piracy hotspot in the world.

In the year 2020, several oil tankers were attacked or attempted to be attacked in the vicinity.

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported early this year that the number of maritime piracy and armed robberies committed against ships worldwide decreased to 115 last year, the lowest level recorded in nearly three decades. In the Gulf of Guinea, however, the IMB advised caution.

"Sustained efforts are however needed to ensure the continued safety of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea region, which remains dangerous as evidenced by two incidents in the last quarter of 2022," IMB said

According to the company, Montec Ship Management is currently collaborating with all authorities in the region offshore of the Republic of Congo, including several navies.

In recent years, pirates have made the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa their preferred destination. Off the western coast of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, a significant hub for oil production with eight countries that export oil, is now recognized as the most dangerous piracy hotspot in the world.

In the year 2020, several oil tankers were attacked or attempted to be attacked in the vicinity.

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported early this year that the number of maritime piracy and armed robberies committed against ships worldwide decreased to 115 last year, the lowest level recorded in nearly three decades.

In the Gulf of Guinea, however, the IMB advised caution.

"Sustained efforts are however needed to ensure the continued safety of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea region, which remains dangerous as evidenced by two incidents in the last quarter of 2022," IMB said