Security firm warns of 'game changer' in Gulf of Guinea piracy

According to Dryad a product tanker transiting 200 nm south of the Nigerian shoreline on 9 August encountered a radar contact with a vessel, believed to be a pirate mothership, drifting along its track. Three smaller vessels then opened fire on the tanker and made an unsuccessful attempt to board from the stern.

While the attack was unsuccessful due to the actions of a well-prepared crew Dryad warn that a well-planned attack 200 nm from shore represents a change in tactics by the pirates.

Ian Millen, coo of Dryad said it was “feasible” it was an intelligence led operation by the pirates where the ports of departure and arrival were known to the pirates. “In terms of pirate capability, this incident may represent a step change in tactics that could, if repeated, be a game changer in Gulf of Guinea piracy,” said Millen said.

“Unlike a stealthy climb on to a vessel at anchor, boarding a vessel underway is a very different proposition, especially at night in open seas. This is something that even highly motivated Somali pirates have only attempted on a small number of occasions during the hours of darkness.”

With the pirates still at sea in a mother vessel this means they still have the means to launch another attack.