NIGERIA // The Hong Kong cargo vessel HUANGHAI GLORY was reported under attack around 1830 UTC on March 5th, approximately 84NM South of Lagos, Nigeria. The activation of the SSAS and the subsequent unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the crew are possible indicators that confirm the reports who state that the crew retreated into the citadel and some perpetrators may have managed to board the vessel.
Earlier during the day, two other incidents occurred at 118NM and 75NM West of the above-mentioned attack position. A suspicious approach was reported by a tanker in the Togolese EEZ while another tanker, the Greece-flagged MINERVA VIRGO, was later attacked and successfully boarded by armed men while in the Beninese EEZ. The three incidents appear to be connected as they likely have been perpetrated by the same Nigerian PAG.
The whole area has been interested by substantial PAG activity over the last year with the latest reported attack occurred on February 20th against the Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker ALPINE PENELOPE which resulted in the kidnapping of 9 crewmembers.
For additional information or if in need of specialized assistance in the area contact us at pi@praesidiumintl.com
