06 Sep 2021 | 10:30 AM UTC
Gabon: Pirates attack vessel near Libreville overnight Sept. 4-5
Pirates attack vessel at Owendo Anchorage near Libreville overnight Sept. 4-5; further piracy incidents possible in the near term
Event
According to media reports, pirates attacked a vessel near Libreville overnight Sept. 4-5. The vessel was anchored at Owendo Anchorage. The attackers injured two Indian crewmembers during the incident. The assailants reportedly alighted left the vessel, before security forces were able to intervene. The Gabonese government has yet to confirm the incident.
Context
While pirate attacks are unusual off the Gabonese coast, the Gulf of Guinea has been a hotspot for piracy incidents over the past decade. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the Gulf of Guinea accounted for nearly half (43%) of all reported piracy incidents in the first three months of 2021. Pirates usually kidnap crew for ransom or steal the vessel's cargo.
Advice
Maritime travelers in the region are advised to remain vigilant for suspicious approaches while aboard vessels, monitor developments to the regional security environment, and report all incidents to the nearest authorities. Pirates and other criminals are often armed; do not resist if confronted.
