A Pol-Euro Shipping Lines boxship operated by CMA CGM has reportedly been attacked in the Gulf of Guinea 95 nautical miles (175km) south of the Nigerian Brass Terminal.
The 3,108-teu, Maltese-flagged Port Gdynia (built 2011) was apparently boarded by an unknown number of attackers as it headed from Lome to Bata, in Equitorial Guinea.
Maritime security intelligence company Dryad Global said: “Details regarding the welfare of the crew remain unknown at this time.”
It added that attacks in the region are “highly likely and expected daily”.
However, other sources suggest the vessel may have avoided boarding.
AIS data indicated the vessel is sailing towards its destination. The Port Gdynia is one of five vessels operated by CMA CGM on its Europe-Africa service.
CMA CGM has been contacted for comment.
There have been several attacks in the Gulf of Guinea recently.
The 12,950-dwt New Ranger (built 2007) was attacked by gunmen in the Gulf of Guinea, 160 nautical miles (296 km) south-west of Brass earlier in December.
In the same month, a gang raided the 12,000-dwt general cargoship Stevia (built 1992), 52 km off Brass, kidnapping eight crew.
Dryad is advising that ships should stay 200 nautical miles to 250 nautical miles offshore. It warned: “Vessels are advised to operate within this area at a heightened posture maintaining the highest levels of vigilance whilst implementing full hardening and mitigation in accordance with Best Management Practice West Africa where possible."
