Home / Crime and Justice / Sailors Kidnapped Off West Africa Coast
Sailors Kidnapped Off West Africa Coast
3 Dec
Summary
- Nine crew members reportedly kidnapped during an LPG tanker attack.
- The attack occurred near Mbini in Equatorial Guinea.
- One crew member sustained an injury from a stray bullet.
Authorities are investigating a disturbing report of a pirate attack targeting a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanker in West African waters. The Portuguese-flagged vessel, CGAS Saturn, is believed to have been boarded by pirates several miles west of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea. Preliminary information suggests that at least nine crew members were abducted during the incident, while four others were left on the ship.
The vessel had previously departed from Owendo, Gabon, on November 9th, carrying a gas cargo. It later anchored off Port-Gentil, Gabon, until November 30th before heading north towards its reported destination of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Tracking data reveals the ship significantly slowed and reversed course in the area where the hijacking is said to have occurred.
During the reported hijacking, initial reports suggest that one member of the crew sustained an injury from a stray bullet. Maritime security firm Vanguard reported the incident, and efforts are currently underway to gather further information from industry contacts regarding the precise details of the attack and the status of the kidnapped sailors.
