11 Dec 2019 | 01:05 PM UTC
Benin: Sailors kidnapped off the Benin coast set free December 10 /update 1
Filipino sailors kidnapped off the Benin coast freed after 35 days of captivity on December 10
Event
On Tuesday, December 10, the Norwegian Marine Authority announced the release of nine Filipino seamen kidnapped from a Norwegian-owned cargo ship on Saturday, November 2, at about 16 km (9 mi) from Port Cotonou. The context and the location related to their release remain unknown as of Wednesday, December 11.
Similar piracy incidents are possible in the region over the near term.
Context
There is a high risk of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. According to a report released in July by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), 92 percent of hostage-takings too place in the Gulf of Guinea between January and June 2019.
Advice
Maritime travel through the Gulf of Guinea is advised against due to the threat of piracy.
