Pirates Attack Tanker Near São Tomé and Príncipe

The Panama-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker Bitu River was boarded by three armed pirates late last night while sailing off the coast of São Tomé and Príncipe. Reports indicate that gunfire was exchanged, but the condition of the crew, who are believed to have taken refuge in the citadel, remains unknown. 

Details of the Attack 

According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the vessel had a freeboard of approximately 5.1 meters at the time of the boarding, making it vulnerable to such an attack. 

This incident follows a concerning trend of increasing piracy activity in the waters off West Africa. 

Recent Piracy Incidents in the Region 

Since January 2024, there have been six recorded vessel boardings in the waters off Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Data from EOS Risk Group confirms that at least 14 crew members have been kidnapped in three separate piracy incidents during this period. 

The waters surrounding São Tomé and Príncipe have now emerged as a new hotspot for pirate activity in West Africa, raising security concerns for vessels transiting the area. 

Authorities and security firms continue to monitor the situation closely, as the risk of piracy in the region remains high.