Pirates Intercept MSC Vessel, kidnap several crew in Gulf of Guinea

ABIOLA Seun

Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) containership, the MV Mandy was Wednesday, indicated to have been waylaid by dreaded pirates, off the coast of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, leaving several crew members missing.

The incident which may emerge as the first recorded piracy and crew kidnap of 2019 ironically sharply falls contrary to Nigeria’s claim that piracy had finally been subdued both in the country and in the GoG.

But, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside only last month boldly tongue lashed the Piracy reporting agency, International Maritime Bureau for exaggerating on actual piracy attacks figures, which allegedly was about 41 vessel attacks and 29 crew kidnaps, even though Dakuku declined to give what could have been a more realistic figure.

Also, last year’s 29 crew kidnap may look like child’s play this year, except Nigeria exerts a concerted effort, particularly through both the Nigerian Navy and Air force on the entire waters running through Benin Republic and Nigeria.

Already, a spokesman for MSC has confirmed to the World Maritime News that a small containership was attacked on January 2, 2019 in the Gulf of Guinea and several crew members were reported as missing.

“MSC quickly secured the vessel and its cargo and ensured the safety of the remaining seafarers on board,” the spokesperson added.

“Out of respect for the missing crew members and their families, MSC has no further comment for the time being.”

Media reports suggested that the vessel in question was the 46,852 dwt MSC Mandy.

According to a warning notice issued by NATO’s Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), the vessel was attacked and boarded by pirates some 55 nautical miles off the coast of Cotonou, while it was traversing through the Gulf of Guinea.

AIS data provided by Marine Traffic shows that the 2,668 TEU ship, which was sailing from the port of Lome, Togo, is currently anchored off Lagos.