Italian Tanker Seized by Pirates off Benin Coast

A naval official confirms that an Italian diesel-carrying tanker with 23 crewmen has been attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Benin.

The tanker identified as Italian-owned RBD Anema e Core was boarded by three assailants on Sunday in the Gulf of Guinea, 23 nautical miles south of the capital of Benin, Cotonou.  It is unclear as to whether the ship was carrying armed guards

The crew of 23, including 20 Filipino seamen, two Italians and a Romanian captain issued distress signals from the vessel, triggering the Benin navy to dispatch patrol boats to pursue the pirates.  Navy commander, Maxime Ahoyo, stated that they are closely monitoring the fuel-laden vessel.

Gulf of Guinea off the West African coast

According to the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy reporting center, West Africa is a growing hot spot for violent and highly organized piracy attacks this year, with 12 tanker attacks off the Benin coast since March.  This same area was largely free of piracy just last year.