Reporting indicates that MT NEW RANGER has been boarded 220nm South of Lagos.
Attack
DTG
05 December 2020 0655UTC
Position
03°02N 003°00E
Location
220nm South Lagos
Vessel Dimensions
127.21 x 20.4 m
Vessel Type
Chemical Tanker
Source Confidence Level
High
Incident Overview
Reporting indicates that the Maltese flagged MT NEW RANGER (IMO 9328326) has been boarded approximately 220nm South of Lagos. The perpetrators have reportedly left the vessel, and the crew are reported safe.
Dryad Analysis
This incident occurred in the vicinity of attack on the MINERVA IVOPRI on the 4th December. This is the 67th incident in the JWC HRA in 2020 and the 4th incident this week. There have been a surge of incidents in the past 5 weeks, resulting in an increased risk rating for the Gulf of Guinea HRA to CRITICAL on 11th November.
The previous 3 attacks in the region this week have been unsuccessful. Therefore as the rate of failed attacks increases, the perpetrators are highly likely to increase in desperation. This is likely to be because of the increased risk to themselves from Naval counter piracy activity, but from logistical strain also. Heightened desperation also means that attempts against vessels are highly likely to continue, further supported by a sustained period of favourable weather. Smaller vessels and those of a vulnerable design are increasingly prone to opportune targeting.
The NEW RANGER has previously been involved in incidents in the Gulf of Guinea in June and September 2011 and January 2015.
Vessels are advised to operate within this area at a heightened posture maintaining the highest levels of vigilance whilst implementing full hardening / mitigation in accordance with BMP West Africa where possible. In addition the IMB advises that vessels remain at least 200nm-250nm offshore where possible.