The Luxembourg-Registered offshore supply vessel “Bourbon Liberty 251” was attacked by pirates on Tuesday 23 February 2016 when it was sailing in international waters in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Nigeria.
It was attacked by six armed men who approached the vessel in what was described as a fast boat. According to witness reports, the pirates were well organised as they looted the ship, destroyed the communications equipment on board, kidnapped two crew members and fled in an easterly direction.
According to Luxembourg Government Press and Information Service, the crew consisted of six from Russia and six from Nigerian. One Russian and one Nigerian crew member are currently missing; the other ten crew members hid in the “Citadelle” (engine room) of the ship and were unharmed.
After the incident the ship and its remaining crew managed to reach Onne in Nigeria. The Nigerian Navy was informed and has launched an investigation. The French offshore vessel operator Bourbon is in contact with the crew members' families to help them through the ordeal.
Also, according to MARITIME NEWS, pirate activity is increasing since this is the sixth such attack in the Gulf of Guinea since the start of the year. In April 2015 three Nigerian crew members were taken by pirates from a French offshore speedboat Bourbon Surfer 1440 and were returned without injury after the company paid the requested ransom.
Photo by: Maxim B/Marine Traffic
