A bulk carrier was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea 120nm southwest of Brass, Nigeria, while en route from Lagos to Libreville, Gabon. The vessel was approached by a motor skiff containing seven heavily armed men who fired upon the ship and tried to board it.

The Master and duty officer raised the piracy attack alarm, increased the vessel’s speed and manoeuvred to avoid boarding. All non-essential crew retreated to the Citadel. After about 40 minutes of pursuit the pirates gave up and changed course to the shore, proceeding to Owendo Anchorage, Gabon. The vessel suffered some peripheral damage from the gunfire, but no leaks resulted.

A LNG tanker was also attacked by pirates in Gulf of Guinea, 90nm south of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Once again the tanker was approached by a suspicious motor skiff with at least seven heavily armed men on board, and once again the Master raised the alarm and increased speed, manoeuvring to prevent the boarding of the vessel. The pirates opened fire on the bridge but quickly abandoned the attack and fled back to the shore. The vessel headed to Bonny, where it berthed. 

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