The Singapore-registered oil tanker Success 9 has gone missing after an alleged pirate attack off the coast of Africa, leaving its owners unable to establish contact since the incident on Monday night. The ship was boarded off the Ivory Coast, and Singapore’s government has released a statement indicating that the situation is being treated as an act of piracy.
Authorities Investigate the Disappearance
General Boniface Konan, director of Cresmao, the maritime security center for West Africa, confirmed that the case is being treated as piracy. With the capacity to transport approximately 40,000 barrels of oil products or chemicals, the 20-year-old vessel had around 20 crew members of various nationalities on board when pirates targeted it.
Piracy Rates Decline, But Serious Attacks Continue to Rise
Despite piracy incidents reaching a three-decade low during the first quarter of this year, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), serious attacks appear to be on the rise in the Gulf of Guinea. The IMB reported 27 recorded incidents, including one successful hijacking and two attempts during this period.
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Increased Calls for International Naval Presence
The Gulf of Guinea, a critical shipping route spanning over 5,700 km from Senegal to Angola, has experienced ongoing piracy issues, primarily driven by Nigerian criminal gangs. However, since 2021, pirates have been conducting attacks further out in international waters, leading shipping companies to call for a more substantial foreign naval presence in the area.
Noel Choong of the Information Center on Security, part of the International Maritime Bureau, expressed hope for increased international warship patrols equipped with helicopter assets. This plea for assistance comes after pirates attacked a Danish tanker off the Congo in March, kidnapping six crew members before leaving the vessel behind.
Collaboration Efforts to Address the Crisis
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is currently working closely with the shipowner, the Monrovia Area Maritime Relief Coordination Center, and Singapore’s Changi Command and Control Center to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders hope for a swift resolution and the safe return of the Success 9 and its crew members.
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Seeking Solutions and Enhancing Maritime Security
In conclusion, the disappearance of the Singapore-registered oil tanker Success 9 highlights the ongoing challenges of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the broader region. While overall piracy rates have declined, the severity and sophistication of attacks seem to be escalating, prompting calls for increased international cooperation and a stronger naval presence. As authorities work together to address the situation and secure the safe return of the Success 9 and its crew, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need to enhance maritime security measures to protect vital shipping routes and the lives of those working at sea.