Fishing vessel boarded by armed aggressors, Sierra Leone
Issued: 4 months, 1 week ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 22 Jul 2023 - 05:00 | CW Alert 021- (Jul 23) | West Africa | Hijack | Pirates | MDAT GoG/IMB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It has been reported by the IMB that a fishing vessel was boarded by up to thirteen armed persons whilst underway approximately 16nm South West of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The vessel was last reported to be heading towards Liberian Exclusive Economic Zone. The Sierra Leone and Liberia Coast Guard have been notified. The incident is still ongoing. UPDATE 1: The IMB have confirmed that the perpetrators were armed with guns and have hijacked the vessel. It is reported that there are 23 crew members onboard. A search for the vessel and crew is currently underway. UPDATE 2: The IMB have reported that the fishing vessel was located off Monrovia by the Liberian Coast Guard. The vessel and crew were secured following an exchange of fire between the Coast Guard and the Pirates. Two pirates have been detained following the incident, however the remaining eleven pirates were able to escape. | |||||