Dutch tanker attacked, boarded in Gulf of Guinea

Barendrecht, The Netherlands, March 12, 2021 – De Poli Shipmanagement report that following an attack by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa fifteen crewmembers have been taken from its chemical tanker DAVIDE B. Six other seafarers of the vessel are safe and unhurt and remain on board of the ship which is currently attended by security personnel that have arrived on scene. DAVIDE B came under attack whilst sailing some 210 nautical miles south of Cotonou, Benin.
De Poli Shipmanagement are greatly concerned about the attack on its vessel and seafarers. The company’s main priority now is to establish contact with the missing crew in order to secure their earliest and safe release. De Poli Shipmanagement’s Emergency Response Team are liaising with all relevant authorities who have been notified immediately after the incident which occurred at appx. 15.00 UTC on Thursday. The company are in close contact with the families of the seafarers to support them in this extremely difficult time.
DAVIDE B is a 2016 built chemical tanker which was on a commercial voyage from Riga, Latvia to Lagos, Nigeria. The vessel is flying the Maltese flag.
For the time being De Poli Shipmanagement will not be providing any further information in order not to jeopardize the safety of those involved.

UPDATE 0250 UTC Mar 12: AIS is still off, Nigerian offshore supply ship QUA IBOE RIVER (IMO 9246360) is nearby.

Product tanker DAVIDE B was attacked and boarded by armed pirates at around 1515 UTC Mar 11 in Gulf of Guinea some 220 nm south of Lagos Nigeria, while en route from Riga Latvia to Lagos. All crew mustered in citadel, and understood, are awaiting assistance. Ship’s AIS is off since the time pirates boarded tanker. Awaiting further updates, as of 0030 UTC Mar 12 situation is unclear.
Tanker manager De Poli Shipmanagemen issued an official Statement:

Shipmanagement Statement MT DAVIDE B attack
Barendrecht, The Netherlands, March 11, 2021 – De Poli Shipmanagement report that today at appx 15.00 UTC its managed chemical tanker DAVIDE B came under attack of pirates some 210 nautical miles south of Cotonou, Benin.
Meanwhile contact has been established with the crew of the vessel who have taken shelter in the citadel of the ship. All relevant authorities have been informed and are attending to the situation.
De Poli Shipmanagement would like to stress the safety and wellbeing of the seafarers on board is a prime concern to the company.

Source: FleetMon