A Turkey-flagged product tanker was boarded and robbed southwest of Nova Sintra, Cape Verde early on Friday morning in a significant escalation in terms of the way pirates treat seafarers off West Africa.
According to British maritime security consultants Ambrey, the tanker was boarded by 10 suspects armed with AK-47s. The suspects reportedly damaged communication equipment, took control of the bridge, and locked all crewmembers.
A report from the International Chamber of Commerce stated the pirates ordered for the engines to be switched off and for the vessel to drift with the intention of stealing the cargo and bunkers. The crew’s arms and legs were tied. While waiting for the off-take vessel the pirates stole crew and ship properties. They then moved all the crew into the steering gear room and informed the crew that there were explosive devices fixed on all doors and the crew could only exit after two hours.
According to Ambrey, the suspects looted the tanker’s cash and some assets before deboarding and departing.
The crew were able to break free after two hours and repaired some of the equipment that was damaged. No explosives were found. No injuries were reported and the tanker continued on its journey.