16 Dec 2019 | 03:27 PM UTC
Togo: Pirates release three hostages abducted from oil tanker December 13 /update 1
Pirates release three hostages on December 13, previously abducted from Greek oil tanker; Further incident of piracy likely over the near term
Event
European Products Carriers Ltd announced on Friday, December 13, that three out of the four Greek oil tanker crew members kidnapped by pirates near the port of Lomé in the Gulf of Guinea on Tuesday November 4, have been released. An investigation has begun regarding the death of the remaining kidnapped crew member, who reportedly died from disease during captivity. Details are still emerging.
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 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.
