Containership Crew Kidnapped In Gulf of Guinea

Various reports are suggesting that members of a containership crew have been kidnapped this week in the Gulf of Guinea, with one remaining crew member now being treated for a gun shot wound to the leg.

The incident is believed to have happened around 4pm on Monday, as the 5,500 teu vessel ‘Tonsberg’ crossed the bay, west of Gabon.

A Danish Navy helicopter arrived at the CMA CGM charted vessel, just after the pirates had left the scene by speed boat, heading north towards Nigeria with at least six crew members.

The Gulf of Guinea borders 16 coastal countries on Africa’s West Coast, and has become the world’s piracy hotspot over the past 2-3 years. Around half of all reported piracy incidents now occur in the region.

Pirates operating within the Gulf are well-equipped to attack further away from shorelines and seem to have no fear in taking violent action against innocent crews.

Team Jenkar