Kidnapping – Owendo Anchorage- Gabon

Reporting indicates that three vessels (MV’ Shail Al Doha, African Kalmia & Renauld) were approached by a canoe with 6 or 7 persons on board. Speed estimated at 25kts. On sighting the approaching canoes the alarm was raised and the canoes moved away from the vessels. Further reporting indicates that following these two Chinese fishing trawlers (Guoji 867 & 838) at anchor were attacked by a ‘small craft’ with 6 or 7 persons on board. It is understood that the Captain and Chief mate were kidnapped from both trawlers.  Reporting goes on to indicate that there was a third attack involving a landing craft vessel. The captain of the vessel is believed to have been killed.

This is the first incident within the Owendo Anchorage and Port Libreville area within 2019. Historically this area has held a high degree of comparative stability when compared with neighboring areas in Gabon and other major West African anchorages. Thus far, this is the first recorded kidnapping event in this location. In August 2018 the MT Pantelena was hijacked 23nm from the coast of Port Libreville alongside her crew. This incident was linked to a sophisticated fuel theft operation originating from within Lagos. It is not thought that this latest incident is connected.