
Lagos — There are indications that a vessel was boarded 208nm South of Lagos. All crew are reportedly mustered in the citadel.
Reporting indicates that the perpetrators have left the vessel and all crew are safe and awaiting a nearby patrol vessel.
All vessels in the area are advised to maintain awareness.
The vessel can be seen transiting Easterly at 6.5kts, course 95° before she turns sharply south and then east before stopping.
The incident appears to have occurred in the vicinity of the recent kidnapping from the MT DAVIDE B, just inside of the edge of the Nigerian EEZ where a number of vessels will look to RV with Nigerian SEV.
Vessels within this area are at a unique vulnerability in that they are generally operating within waters beyond the operational footprint of regional security forces.
Within 2020 there were 5 incidents inclusive of kidnapping that occurred within 30nm of the reported incident.
In light of the recent boarding the risk profile to vessels within the area is assessed as CRITICAL with further incidents expected within days. Vessels should continue to be vigilant and report all suspicious activity.
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