Reporting indicates that the MV ROWAYTON EAGLE (IMO:9575216) has been boarded 200nm off the coast of Accra, Ghana.
Approach
DTG
30 January 2021, 0424UTC
Position
02 55.0N 001 56.6E
Location
200nm S Accra
Vessel Dimensions
199.99 x 32.26 m
Vessel Type
Bulk Carrier
Source Confidence Level
High
Incident Overview
Reporting indicates that that the MV ROWAYTON EAGLE (IMO:9575216) was boarded by pirates 200nm of the coast of Accra, Ghana. The crew are mustered in the citadel. A Ghanaian naval vessel sought to inspect the vessel however was unable to reach due to technical problems. The vessel subsequently was supported by a Nigerian Security Escort Vessel and escorted into Nigerian waters. Pirates are understood to have left the vessel having failed to breach the citadel.
AIS tracking suggests the vessel in question had been drifting since the 27th January.
Dryad Analysis
This the 7th offshore incident this year and the third recorded offshore boarding. Total incidents throughout West Africa in 2020 showed a partial increase of 12% on those of 2019. Incidents involving failed approaches showed a significant increase within 2020 with 25 such incidents recorded against 10 in 2019. Unsuccessful attempts at boardings are likely to increase desperation, particularly with incidents deep offshore distant from shore lines.
Dryad advises all vessels to avoid the vicinity of the reported incidents, reporting all suspicious activity to the relevant maritime authorities.