31 Dec 2019 | 10:03 AM UTC
Cameroon: Eight seamen abducted near Limboh Port December 31
Pirates abduct eight seamen off Greek tanker near Limboh Port December 31 ; an investigation is ongoing
Event
An oil tanker traveling through the Gulf of Guinea was attacked by pirates approximately 3 km (2 mi) from the Port of Limboh in the morning (local time) on Tuesday, December 31. The pirates abducted five Greek, one Ukrainian, and two Filipino nationals before fleeing the area. An investigation into the attack is ongoing.
Additional incidents of piracy and kidnapping are possible in the Gulf of Guinea in 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 took 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.
