Reporting indicates that a MV has been attacked approx 56 Nm SW of Sao Tome
Hijack
DTG
8 February 2021, 1700UTC
Position
00 43.1S 006 08.7E
Location
56 Nm SW Sao Tome
Vessel Dimensions
284.37 x 42.5 m
Vessel Type
LNG
Source Confidence Level
High
Incident Overview
Reporting indicates that the LNG MADRID SPIRIT has been attacked by a fast craft with several persons onboard.
Shots were fired at the MV and after approx. 45 min the attack was aborted
Dryad Analysis
This the 12th offshore incident this year and notably this is the fourth attack recorded within 2021 that occurred outside the JWRC HRA.
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.
It is highly likely that the attack was perpetrated by the same grouping that targeted the SEA PHANTOM on the 6th February. It is highly likely that further incidents will occur within the coming days. As such the risk level for all vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea is to be considered CRITICAL.
Dryad advises all vessels to avoid the vicinity of the reported incident, reporting all suspicious activity to the relevant maritime authorities.