Pirates Board Bulk Carrier At Anchor, Abduct 9 Crew Members

JJ Ugland’s bulk vessel MV Bonita was boarded by pirates very early Saturday morning off Cotonou/Benin while she was at anchor. 9 crew members were taken off the vessel while she was waiting for berth to discharge inbound cargo, gypsum.

The remaining crew notified local authorities and Bonita arrived alongside in Cotonou later the same day. The Ugland Emergency Response Team are handling this situation as per contingency plans, and they are in contact with relevant authorities.

The families of the crewmembers have been contacted and will be kept informed by Ugland. In the interest of the wellbeing of the crewmembers, Ugland will not make any further comments regarding the situation.

Image Credits: jjuc.no

Update

We can confirm that the captain of MV Bonita is one of the nine crewmembers taken off the vessel. Apart from this, we do not have any new information about the incident.

We are continuously working on the situation, and are doing our utmost to bring the nine crewmembers to safety. Their families will be gathered as soon as possible.

The remaining crewmembers onboard the vessel are all being cared for, and are in good condition despite of the circumstances. Should the remaining crewmembers wish to disembark the vessel, and go home, this will be accommodated.

Reference: jjuc.no

Source: Maritime Shipping News