Monjasa, a Danish oil trading and supply company, has confirmed that one of its product tankers, the Monjasa Reformer, has been attacked by pirates off the west coast of Africa. The crew reported that the vessel was being boarded as the communication channels went down. There has been no contact since the attack took place on March 25.
The Search for the Missing Vessel and Crew Continues
The Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDATGoG) has launched a search for the missing vessel with the help of other mariners in the region. The local authorities are also assisting in establishing a communication channel to understand the situation on-board. There is no indication as yet if any of the crew members have been taken hostage.
The fact that there has been no contact from the tanker since it was attacked is causing grave concern. Reports suggest that all crew members onboard have successfully followed safety protocols by securing themselves inside the citadel while waiting for rescue or instructions from their superiors.
Monjasa’s History with Pirate Attacks in West Africa
This incident highlights once again how dangerous these waters remain off Cong-Brazzaville and how difficult it is to protect against pirate attacks. Monjasa has a long history of operating in this region, and another one of its tankers, Anuket Amber, was attacked off Cameroon in 2018.
This latest incident comes just three years after the Anuket Amber attack, suggesting that piracy problems off West Africa are far from being resolved.
Danish Shipping Organization Calls for A New Strategy
The attack on Monjasa Reformer shows that there needs to be a new strategy to combat piracy in this area. Anne Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping, commented on this incident and stated that this could be a turning point to come up with new measures to protect the shipping industry in the region. She suggested that EU countries should coordinate their naval presence to cover the vast area as best as possible.
The Gulf of Guinea Continues to be a Black Spot for Global Piracy
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the most dangerous maritime areas globally, and pirate attacks in this region often go unreported. Although there has been a decrease in pirate attacks in 2021, it remains a black spot for global piracy.
Most countries in this region do not have the necessary resources or capacities to respond to such incidents. Denmark could contribute to increased training or surveillance in this area when their naval vessels are busy elsewhere.
A Worrying Development
This incident is worrying since it occurred further south of the usual pirate hotspots where attacks are rampant. It is hoped that this is just an isolated incident and not a new trend.
In conclusion, the attack on Monjasa Reformer and the crew being held incommunicado highlights once again how vulnerable vessels are when sailing through high-risk waters off West Africa. The urgency of finding the tanker and locating its crew cannot be overstated, and joint efforts from coastal countries, international organizations, and industry can enhance maritime security for shipping vessels operating worldwide.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
