AFP is reporting that the tanker hijacked over the weekend off the coast of Nigeria has been released along with the 20 member crew. The vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Cape Bird, was hijacked approximately 90 nautical miles south of Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday, October 8 according to the International Marine Bureau.
Details on the vessels release, including whether a ransom was paid or if the pirates made off with the ships reported 30,000 tonnes of fuel cargo, are not apparent at this time.
What is apparent is that the crew of 20 are safe and the vessel is making way to a safe port.
The Gulf of Guinea and coast of West Africa has seen an increasing number of reports of pirate attacks since May. Unlike their Somali counterparts, pirates in this region typically are interested in the ships cargo over ransom money.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,907 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A Chinese-owned fishing vessel has been liberated following an armed robbery off Somalia’s northeastern Puntland coast, according to information from the Chinese Embassy to Somalia. The incident is the latest...
Pirates holding a Chinese-owned fishing vessel off Somalia’s northeastern coast have reportedly issued a $10 million ransom demand, marking a significant escalation in the region’s renewed maritime security challenges. The...
With the Indian Ocean monsoon season ending, Somali piracy activity is expected to rise. After a four-year absence, Somali piracy has resurged dramatically in the past year, culminating in pirates...
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,907 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
