Tanker hijacked, offshore Republic of the Congo
Issued: 2 months ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 25 Mar 2023 - 22:39 | CW Alert 018- (Mar 23) | West Africa | Hijack | Pirates | MDAT-GoG/IMB/CLOSED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The MDAT-GoG have reported that a tanker has been boarded by three armed perpetrators whilst drifting, approximately 142nm West-southwest of Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo. The crew have been able to retreat to the citadel. UPDATE 1: The MDAT-GoG have received updated information confirming that five armed perpetrators boarded the tanker from one skiff. UPDATE 2: The IMB have reported that the owners of the tanker have lost communication with the vessel. The details of the tanker are as follows: MONJASA REFORMER (IMO - 9255878). The tanker is painted black topside, black vertical sides with an orange stripe all around the hull. The funnel is black with an orange logo. The vessel's last known position was 05° 29.35' S 009° 34.00' E at 2239 UTC, 25th March 2023. The IMB are requesting that all ships are to keep a lookout for the tanker and to report to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre if sighted. UPDATE 3: The MDAT-GoG have reported that the tanker has been reported as being in the vicinity of position 04° 09.00' S 001° 46.00' E at 1825 UTC 28th March 2023. UPDATE 4: Confirmed information has been received that the MONJASA REFORMER has established communications with an oil platform, from position 02° 50.00' N 007° 00.00' E at 2030 UTC 30th March 2023. Initial reports indicate that three crew members have been abducted. UPDATE 5: Further information has been received stating that a total of six crew members have been abducted. UPDATE 6: The IMB have confirmed that more than ten pirates armed with guns boarded the tanker. UPDATE 7: It has been confirmed that all kidnapped crew members have been released. | |||||