Latest News

BREAKING: Pirates attack Maersk container vessel in Bonny

Pirates have reportedly attacked a container vessel named Maersk Tema at 200 nautical miles, South West Bonny on Valentine’s day while the vessel was underway from Point Noir to Lagos.

According to Dryad Global, this incident is coming barely two months after a Bulk carrier, Vinalines Mighty was attacked and boarded by three pirates 40 nautical miles off Bonny on the 31st day of December 2019.

In the report released on Friday, Dryad Global stated that, “Report indicates that the container vessel, MAERSK TEMA while underway from Pointe Noir to Lagos, is currently under attack at 90 nautical miles, North West Sao Tome.  “Two unknown men are believed to have boarded the vessel and two skiffs were seen in the vicinity of the attack. Further reporting suggests that the crew members have reached the citadel.

“The vessel is currently drifting 200 nautical miles, South West Bonny and 40 nautical miles, South East of the Eastern fringe of the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“This latest incident sits 40 nautical miles South East of a boarding incident which occured on the 31 of Dec 2019 where the Bulk carrier VINALINES MIGHTY was boarded by three pirates. “This latest incident is the 5th incident to occur within the Nigeria – Sao Tome JDZ since November 2019.

ALSO READ: EFCC probes alleged N3b diversion of light project fund in Kwara

“It is assessed that after a brief hiatus, pirates have returned to an area that saw considerable success within 2019. Pirates operating within this area are assessed to be seeking to exploit the relative lack of established security presence in the waters beyond the Nigerian EEZ.

“Pirates have shown a capability and intent to attack large vessels underway, indicating a high degree of confidence and capability. It is assessed as highly likely that pirates operating within this area have originated from within Nigeria and are likely to do so with support from a larger vessel.

“The conduct of deep offshore pirate operations beyond the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone was a significant feature of West African piracy throughout 2019.”

David Olagunju

Recent Posts

2027: I’ll bring dividend of democracy to my people  – Oyo Reps aspirant

“The people of Ona Ara are also here in support of President Tinubu’s second term…

18 minutes ago

Anambra govt announces traffic adjustments ahead Tinubu’s visit

“During this historic visit, Mr President shall commission some projects of the Soludo administration, showcasing…

26 minutes ago

FUOYE students’ union writes education minister, disowns NANS petition

"As the local union with firsthand experience of institutional engagements and administrative developments, we find…

34 minutes ago

Kano govt seals warehouse over ‘environmental nuisance’

He said, "The storage of hazardous materials in a residential area or within the community…

40 minutes ago

Lagos LG polls: Ojokoro APC apex leaders endorse Sanusi as chairmanship candidate

"Where did the originators of this list get the additional names? Possibly from their loyalists…

53 minutes ago

FCT: Police arrest suspected online recruitment scammer

"the suspect allegedly exploited this false identity to promote a fictitious Police recruitment exercise, fraudulently…

1 hour ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.