MTBonita Photo politeness J.J. Ugland

OSLO, Nov 3 (Reuters)– A vessel had by Norwegian delivery company J.J. Ugland was boarded by pirates while at support off the coastline of Benin on Saturday, as well as 9 staff participants were abducted, the firm stated onSunday

The staying staff of the Norwegian- flagged MV Bonita informed regional authorities, as well as the vessel anchored at the port city of Cotonou later Saturday, the firm stated in a declaration. The completely dry bulker Bonita lugged a freight of plaster, a mineral generally made use of as plant food, which was predestined for Benin, Ugland stated.

See Also: Pirates Kidnap Four from Greek Tanker Off Togo

While piracy has actually reduced worldwide, West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea is a risky location for kidnappings as well as heist, the International Maritime Bureau, a system of the International Chamber of Commerce, stated in a declaration last month.

Shippers have actually reported numerous kidnappings in the area in current months, consisting of 8 staff participants extracted from a German- had vessel off Cameroon in August, as well as 10 Turkish seafarers off the coastline of Nigeria in July.

Citing security factors, the Norwegian shipowner did not disclose the staff’s races or the number of had actually prevented capture.

“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 crew members have been contacted and will be kept informed by Ugland,” the firm stated in the declaration. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Alison Williams, Peter Cooney as well as Will Dunham)

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