Containership Attacked, 6 Crew Kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea

…Danish Navy Provides Medical Attention

A 5,550 TEU containership suspected to be TONSBERG, has been attacked in Gulf of Guinea 38 nm SW of Bioko island southwest coast, Equatorial Guinea, at 1430 UTC Dec 13.

Reportedly, pirates boarded the ship and kidnapped 6 crew. Ship’s ID wasn’t disclosed, but all data point at container ship TONSBERG, which was en route from Cameroon to Cotonou, Benin.

As of 1820 UTC Dec 13, the ship was adrift near attack site, with Danish frigate ESBERN SNARE nearby.

The Danish Navy vessel is attending to the containership and providing medical assistance, with 1 crew member reportedly injured.

All vessels in the area should increase vigilance, as pirates may attempt to attack another vessel whilst on way back to Niger Delta.

Vessel Details:

Type: Containership
L x B: 274.7m x 40m
Speed: 17.5kts

Event Details:

Kidnapped: 6
Injured: 1
Killed: 0

Threat Details:

Number of Perpetrators: 12
Number of Craft: 1 skiff