The threat of piracy in West Africa is rising to "critical" levels after the end of the monsoon season, with two more tankers involved in incidents.
Piracy reporting body MDAT-GoG and security consultancies Ambrey and Dryad Global reported that Torm's 50,000-dwt Torm Alexandra (built 2010) was boarded 300km south of Cotonou while en route from Lome in Togo.
The Danish shipowner was "relieved" to be able to say its valued seafarers were safe and accounted for.
"Torm's emergency response team was immediately assembled, and MDAT-GoG [the coordination centre in the area] was contacted," the company said.
"They reached out to all naval assets in the area, where an Italian naval vessel responded to assist."
Full search carried out
A full search of the ship by the Italian navy on Saturday confirmed the perpetrators had left the vessel.
The crew members, who had taken shelter in the ship’s citadel, have resumed command of the vessel.
"Torm's prime concern remains with the safety and well-being of our seafarers who will receive the proper care and support going forward," the company added.
"Torm would like to thank the involved authorities and the Italian navy in particular for their support and assistance during this stressful event.
"Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to our crew who have shown great courage under the extremely difficult circumstances of the past hours."
The crew is understood to comprise 20 Filipinos and a Montenegrin.
"It is understood that anti-piracy drills were executed early and all crew are safe and have reached the citadel," Dryad said on Saturday.
Fourth failed attack
This was the fourth failed attack in the Gulf of Guinea since 17 October, all on tankers and all foiled by crew retreating to the citadel.
Maritime security companies have been warning of an increased threat in the region.
"With a further failed attempt, it is highly likely that the perpetrators will increase in desperation in their attempts to secure their objective which remains most likely the kidnapping of crew for ransom," Dryad added.
"As such, the risk profile for the region is to be considered critical at this time with incidents assessed as highly likely/expected within days."
Following the end of the monsoon season, attacks are known to increase in frequency as conditions become more favourable, the company added.
Kidnap numbers rise
"Whilst incident volumes overall are showing a partial increase on those of 2019 there is a significant increase in the volume of kidnap incidents across a prolonged time frame and corresponding numbers of personnel kidnapped."
On the same day, 53 nautical miles (98 km) north-west of the Agbami terminal in Nigeria, the 15,000-dwt tanker Wesley (built 1995), managed by Union Maritime of the UK, was approached while underway, Dryad said.
A speedboat containing seven armed pirates approached the tanker and came to within 250 metres, the company added.
The master undertook all security measures and the crew retreated to the citadel.
The armed guards on board displayed their weapons and fired three shots at the speed boat which resulted in the pirates aborting their pursuit and heading away, Dryad said.
"The vessel and crew are reported safe and the tanker is continuing to her next port of call," the company added.
