Pirates have attacked an LPG tanker off the west coast of Africa and kidnapped nine sailors. One crew member was injured.
There was a pirate attack on the LPG tanker “CGAS Saturn” off the west coast of Africa yesterday. Nine crew members were kidnapped. The Danish shipping company Christiania Gas has confirmed the incident.
According to various media reports, the “CGAS Saturn” was on its way to Malabo in Equatorial Guinea when the pirates attacked and boarded the ship. They are said to have rounded up the crew and taken their personal belongings. When the pirates made their escape, they kidnapped nine crew members. Four crew members remained on board. These are said to be the second and third officers, a deck officer and a technical crew member. According to Christiania Gas, the remaining crew are in good health. One of the four seamen was only slightly injured. In the meantime, the LPG tanker has returned to safe waters. A Portuguese navy patrol vessel is said to have accompanied the LPG tanker. The fate of the abducted seamen is still unknown.
Christiania Gas is extremely concerned about the attack on the ship and its crew. The company’s top priority now is to make contact with the missing crew members to secure their release as quickly and safely as possible. The emergency team is in contact with all relevant authorities, who were informed immediately after the incident. The company is also in close contact with the seafarers’ families to support them during this extremely difficult time.
The “CGAS Saturn” was built in 2003. She is 75 meters long and 14 meters wide and sails under the Portuguese flag. The capacity of the ship is 3,090m3. The tanker’s technical manager is Hartmann Gas Carriers Germany GmbH, based in Leer.
