It has been reported that an ongoing incident is occurring on a Tanker approximately 75NM South-Southwest of Cotonou, Benin.

UPDATE 1: The Tanker’s AIS is transmitting and is showing that the vessel is underway with a course of 41° at speed of 13.4KTS.

UPDATE 2: It has been reported that two armed pirates boarded the tanker and ten crew members have been kidnapped. The report also states that shots were fired by the pirates as they boarded the vessel.

UPDATE 3: It has now been confirmed the total number of crew kidnapped is nine. One crew member, initially believed to be kidnapped, has been found hiding onboard. 

UPDATE 4: It has been confirmed as of the 6th March all of the nine crew members have been released.

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