Pirate Attack in Gulf of Guinea: Chinese Crew Members Found Safe
Following a suspected pirate attack on the MENGXIN1 vessel, three missing Chinese crew members are now confirmed safe. The attack involved armed assailants boarding the vessel and restraining the crew. Ghana’s authorities are investigating the incident amid continued piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry announced that three Chinese crew members, previously reported missing after a pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel MENGXIN1, were confirmed safe. However, the ministry did not disclose the details of their recovery. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when seven armed assailants boarded the vessel, firing warning shots and forcing crew members onto the deck while confiscating their phones. Certain crew members reportedly managed to conceal themselves during the attack. Following the departure of the attackers, the crew discovered that the ship’s captain, chief mate, and chief engineer were missing. The vessel later returned to Tema Fishing Harbour, and Ghana’s navy has initiated an investigation into this suspected piracy incident. While the Chinese embassy in Accra has refrained from commenting, the Chinese ministry affirmed its commitment to cooperating with Ghana to ensure the safety of its citizens. Piracy remains a persistent threat in the Gulf of Guinea, where commercial and fishing vessels are often targeted. Many Chinese-owned vessels reportedly operate under Ghanaian flags in Ghanaian waters, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities into such attacks.
The reported pirate attack on the MENGXIN1 resulted in three crew members going missing but subsequently confirmed as safe. The ongoing investigation by Ghanaian authorities underscores the dangers of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, a region with notable maritime threats. This incident highlights the continuous need for enhanced safety measures for vessels operating in these waters as the collaboration between China and Ghana seeks to ensure the safety of its citizens and investments.
Original Source: www.marineinsight.com
