As reported by local authorities, a distressing incident unfolded on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when armed pirates seized control of a fishing trawler registered under the Gabonese flag. The vessel, known as IB Fish 7, was operating approximately seven nautical miles southwest of Ekwata during the early morning hours.
The attack occurred around 2:00 a.m., with three armed assailants boarding the ship and specifically targeting certain crew members before making their escape. Among those taken were five sailors from China and four from Indonesia. Fortunately, six other crew members-comprising individuals from China, Indonesia, and Burkina Faso-remained unharmed aboard the trawler.
In response to this alarming situation, Gabon’s naval forces quickly mobilized to locate the IB Fish 7 and successfully escorted it back to safety at Owendo port in Libreville. The Libreville Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation aimed at uncovering details surrounding the boarding incident and identifying those responsible for this act of piracy.
The government is actively collaborating with international partners to track down the abducted sailors and facilitate their safe return home. Navy Chief of Staff Hubert Bekale Meyong emphasized that this event underscores ongoing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea-a region that has seen some reduction in piracy incidents due to enhanced cooperation among regional navies and European forces.
This latest attack’s proximity to Gabon’s coastline serves as a stark reminder that threats persist despite recent improvements in maritime security efforts. The IB Fish 7 is operated by EBOMAF-a company based in Burkina Faso with interests throughout West Africa-and recently established a tuna processing facility in Gabon aimed at bolstering local production capabilities.
The Gulf of Guinea stretches over 5,700 kilometers along Africa’s west coast from Senegal down to Angola and plays a crucial role as a shipping route for oil and gas exports. Additionally, these waters are frequented by fishing vessels as well as recreational boats catering to tourists interested in activities like whale-watching off Gabon’s scenic shores.
This isn’t an isolated case; just last February saw another kidnapping incident involving three sailors near Libreville’s waters-a troubling trend that highlights ongoing vulnerabilities within maritime operations across this vital region.
