Ghana: Suspected pirates board fishing vessel, kidnap at least five crew members in Gulf of Guinea May 19

Event

Suspected pirates boarded a fishing vessel and kidnapped at least five crew members approximately 65 NM (120 km/75 miles) south of Tema, late May 19. One Korean, one Russian, and three Chinese nationals were among the abductees. No ransom demand or casualties were immediately reported.

Further incidents of piracy are likely in the Gulf of Guinea in the coming months.

Context

The Gulf of Guinea's coastal waters constitute a central shipping lane and experience a high piracy threat. Pirates regularly target commercial ships, bulk carriers, cargo ships, and their crews. Pirates have traditionally operated out of Nigeria's Niger Delta Region; however, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea continues to spread, with several new hotspots emerging in recent months, including as far south as the Exclusive Economic Zone of Gabon. Although the waters off Nigeria will likely remain the most prone to piracy and maritime kidnapping incidents in the foreseeable future, incidents in areas previously considered at low risk may face an elevated threat.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of caution if operating in the Gulf of Guinea. Ship operators should implement best management practices to mitigate piracy-associated threats. Companies should regularly review their ship security assessment and plan under the International Ship and Facility Security Code (ISPS), particularly in piracy-prone areas. Companies are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all pirate activity, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to local naval authorities.