Tanker Hijacking Reported Off West Africa Coast Amidst Separate Pipeline incident
Equatorial Guinea – A Portuguese-flagged gas tanker,the CGAS saturn,has been reportedly hijacked off the coast of West Africa,with at least nine crew members kidnapped,according to maritime security firm Vanguard. The incident occurred several miles west of Mbini in Equatorial Guinea, and one crew member sustained injuries from a stray bullet. Concurrently,a strike has been reported on a major Russian oil pipeline,disrupting supply routes.
This dual incident highlights the escalating risks to maritime trade and energy infrastructure globally. West African waters remain a hotspot for piracy,impacting international shipping and regional economies. The attack on the CGAS Saturn, carrying liquid petroleum gas (LPG), raises concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies and the safety of seafarers. The separate pipeline incident adds to growing anxieties about energy security, particularly as geopolitical tensions rise. Investigations into both events are ongoing, with potential ramifications for insurance rates, shipping routes, and international security cooperation.
The CGAS Saturn had departed the port of Owendo in gabon on November 9th, carrying a partial cargo of gas. The vessel briefly anchored off Port-Gentil, Gabon, until November 30th, before setting course for Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. Tracking data shows the ship slowed and reversed course near Mbini, coinciding with Vanguard’s report of the hijacking.
Vanguard reports that four crew members remained on board the CGAS Saturn following the attack. BBC Verify is currently contacting industry contacts to gather further details about the incident and the condition of those remaining on the vessel. Details surrounding the Russian pipeline strike are still emerging, but initial reports indicate notable damage and a temporary halt to oil flow.
