15 abducted from Dutch-owned tanker in Gulf of Guinea

Netherlands-based De Poli Tankers has confirmed that 15 people were kidnapped following a pirate attack on one of its vessels in the Gulf of Guinea late last week.

The incident on the Maltese-flagged chemical tanker Davide B occurred on Thursday, March 11, the company said in a statement.

The vessel, which was en route to Lagos, Nigeria, was boarded by the pirates at a point 210 nautical miles off Cotonou, Benin.

Only six of Davide B‘s 21-strong crew were able to avoid being taken off the ship. They have since rendezvoused with a team of security personnel who were sent to render assistance following the attack.

De Poli said it is working closely with relevant international authorities and professional advisors to resolve the situation while its main priority is to establish contact with the perpetrators to start a dialogue aimed at the earliest and safe return of the kidnapped sailors.