Tanker attacked, 13 crew kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea

Chemical tanker CURACAO TRADER was attacked at around 1100 UTC Jul 17 in Gulf of Guinea, 230 nm south of Lagos, Nigeria, while en route from Lome Togo to undefined port.

Pirates boarded the tanker and kidnapped 15 crew, according to Dryad/IMB report. They’re believed to be of Russian and Ukrainian nationalities. Tanker AIS was off after pirates boarded tanker, she reappeared at around 1850 UTC, south of attack position, moving in northern direction at a reduced speed.

IMRRA, FleetMon’s official Vessel Risk Rating Partner, risk assessed this tanker as having a GREEN risk rating, with a specific risk rating of 32% (13-FEB-20), compared to the fleet average 36%. New risk assessment reports can be purchased via FleetMon.

An official statement said : “Alison Management Corp. as management company of the chemical/bunkering tanker MV Curacao Trader , IMO No:9340908 advises that its vessel was attacked by pirates approx. 210 miles off the coast of Benin at 1100 hrs local time on 17th July.

“13 out of its 19 Ukranian and Russian crew members have been taken hostage by the pirates – as a result the ship is currently drifting with limited man power on board. Immediate assistance has been secured from nearby refrigerated carrier MV Frio Chikuma , owned by Laskaridis

“Family interests , which is currently proceeding full speed towards the Curacao Trader with expected ETA at noon today July 18th local time.”