Norwegian cargo ship encountered pirates, and many crew members were kidnapped by pirates
According to a comprehensive report, a cargo ship owned by the Norwegian shipping company JJ ugland was attacked by pirates outside the port of Cotonou, Benin, on the 2nd local time, and eight crew members and one captain were kidnapped. It is said that they are all Filipino nationals.
It was reported that the cargo ship MV Bonita was carrying mineral gypsum often used as fertilizer. Its destination was Benin, but it was attacked about 14 kilometers away from the Cotonou seaport, and many crew members were kidnapped by pirates.
The remaining crew members reported the case and sailed the cargo ship into the port on the 2nd. A spokesman for the shipping company said that the families of the crew members concerned had been notified and the company's emergency team was dealing with the situation.
Norwegian shipping company issued a statement on the 3rd confirming the news that the cargo ship encountered pirates, 'the company's emergency team is dealing with the situation according to the emergency plan, and they are contacting relevant departments',' if there is any confirmed and releasable news, the company will provide further information '.
The Norwegian shipowners' Association said that all the kidnapped crew members came from the Philippines.
It is reported that a report released by the international maritime bureau (IMB) in July said that the Gulf of Guinea is a "hot spot of piracy in the world", saying that "the waters of West Africa are still the most dangerous waters of piracy in the world".