Many pirate attacks in Nigeria
SHIPPING: Though it finally seems that the international naval forces off the coast of Somalia are taking over, the pirate activities in Nigeria are increasing. Danish Risk Intelligence, adviser on maritime security, encourages great caution in the area.
Foto: Horisont Gruppen a/s
Risk Intelligence has stated a warning on all traffic north of N 03 ° 50 ' and east of 06 ° 40 ' toward the Cameroun coast (Limbe), on high and increasing pirate activity within a radius of 30 nautical miles from Bonny River Fairway Buoy and from the mouth of Calabar River to approximately 30 miles offshore.
The warning is made on the ground, that two ships were hijacked, and that a kidnapping took place, in the area south of Bonny (western circle of the map) in January alone. In addition, five armed robberies and two failed attacks have occurred.
In January, three armed robberies and three failed attacks on ships have been reported south of Calabar (eastern circle of the map).
Vessels on their way to Bonny offshore terminal, Bonny LNG, Onne Port and Port Harcourt are especially in danger. They are advised not to enter the waters at night and to request assistance from security ships if offshore loading operations will take place at night. They are also advised to join the Bonny River convey (daily at 1330 hours) for sailing inwards on Bonny River. While waiting for a convoy they are advised to stay south of N 03 ° 50' and to join in as quickly as possible when it assembles.
Offshore support vessels and smaller ships are in danger in the Calabar area. Commercial kidnappings for ransoms and attempts of kidnappings are increasing in the areas described above. The attackers are increasingly using violence to gain ship access. The means used are, among others, dynamite to force the crew out of refuges.
Contact Risk Intelligence for more information.
Source: Risk Intelligence
