Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an anchored container ship was confronted saw five robbers on the aft deck. One robber, with a gun was seen near the entrance to the steering gear room. The AB immediately retreated and informed the Duty Officer. Alarm raised and port control notified. A coast guard boat was sent to the vessel. All crew safe. Nothing reported stolen.
26.02.2018: 2330 UTC: Posn: 06:16.31N – 002:29.24E, Cotonou Anchorage, Benin.
Five armed persons approached an anchored tanker in a speed boat. As they boarded the vessel they commenced firing and injured one of the Benin navy guards onboard the tanker. All crew except the OOW on the bridge retreated into the citadel. As the armed persons made their way to the bridge they fired upon and injured another Navy Guard. They took hostage the OOW and demanded the Master, Chief Officer and Chief Engineer come on the bridge. The armed persons demanded the Master heave up anchor but when they were notified that the tanker was in ballast they stole crew properties, kidnapped the Master and one engineer and left the vessel in the tankers rescue boat. The Benin Navy was notified to medivac the injured guards. Once the armed persons were safely ashore, they released the Master and Engineer who were able to make contact with the local police and later joined the tanker.
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