A Chinese heavy lift ship was attacked and 14 crew kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea, reports Maritime Bulletin.
Cargo ship attacked
Cargo ship was attacked at around 1500 UTC Nov 13 in Gulf of Guinea some 80 nm NW of Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe. The Chinese heavy lift ship ZHEN HUA 7, which is cruising in Gulf of Guinea waters off Sao Tome and Principe since mid-October.
Crew kidnapped
The ship reportedly was boarded by pirates, some crew may be kidnapped, but there’s no confirmed information yet on the outcome of an attack. AIS missing since 2000 UTC Nov 13.
Understood situation in region will remain dangerous until pirates kidnap enough crews to extort substantial ransom sum or sums. Each failed attack means there will be soon new one.
Update on Nov. 15
- Reportedly, 14 out of total 27 crew were kidnapped, ship’s AIS is on. As of 0300 UTC Nov 15 she was steaming towards Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
- At least one crew was wounded during the attack, first aid rendered by Italian Navy frigate team. Later he was taken by frigate helicopter to Sao Tome hospital.
Vessel Information
Heavy Load Carrier ZHEN HUA 7, IMO 9166560, dwt 48127, built 1998, flag Liberia, manager SHANGHAI ZHENHUA SHIPPING CO.
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Source: Maritime Bulletin
