Container ship attacked at Cotonou Anchorage on Apr 19 was boarded by Benin and Nigerian forces early in the morning Apr 21, and was found to be free of pirates, reports Maritime Bulletin.
Crew remain safe
Though 11 crew sheltered in the citadel remain safe, 8 crew who were taken hostage are missing, presumably kidnapped by pirates.
No further information was provided by Benin and Nigerian authorities.
How the ship slipped between surrounding TOMMI RITSCHER Benin and Nigerian naval ships remains a mystery.
For more information read our article Containership Crew Held Hostage by Unknown Persons!
Missing 8 seamen
Hopefully, 8 missing seamen are indeed kidnapped by fleeting pirates, safe and sound and nothing happened to them during Benin/Nigerian spec-op.
According to a representative of the TASS news agency, three Russian citizens were among the hostages seized says a Reuters report.
Were the pirates contacted by negotiators?
Highly likely information received states that in the afternoon/evening Apr 20 the ship was about to be stormed by Benin and Nigerian special forces.
Ship management asked Portuguese respective authorities to intervene and suspend the attack, fearing it may lead to crew casualties. Negotiator was already contacted to negotiate with pirates.
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Source: Maritime Bulletin, Reuters
