BENIN // LA BOHEME piracy attack 95NM South of Cotonou – 09/11/2020

EVENT DESCRIPTION // On November 9^th, around 2030 UTC, approximately 95M South of Cotonou, the Marshall Islands flagged tanker LA BOHEME (IMO: 9314167) reported being approached by two (2) speed boats. The speed boats approached within 40 meters when the tanker fired a distress flare in their direction, causing the attackers to return fire. It is reported that all non-essential crew subsequently mustered safely to the citadel while the Master and bridge team proceeded to carry out evasive maneuvers. The pirates eventually aborted the attack, with vessel and crew being reported as safe.

On November 10^th subsequent reports indicated that the speedboat was 1 and not 2 as initially reported.

The tanker is operated by Product Shipping & Trading S.A. (Greece)