[Last Reported Incident]
The Marshall Islands-flagged Bulk Carrier, GREBE BULKER, has reportedly been boarded while anchored at Owendo inner anchorage, Gabon. The Chief Officer has confirmed that three crew members have been kidnapped. The remaining 17 crew members and the vessel are reported safe, the local authorities have been notified. The vessel arrived at Owendo anchorage on 30 April from Harcourt, Nigeria. As of 11:00 UTC 2 May, the Bulk Carrier remains in the same position with AIS on.
According to early reports, the Engineer was alerted to the incident after hearing a noise. Once the Captain could not be located, crew were mustered, and the Second and Third Mates were also confirmed missing. A search of the vessel revealed the Captain's safety box had been opened, with its contents missing. Local port authorities were informed, and the Gabonese River Patrol Boat (RPB) 20-Class Omboue responded to the bulk carrier two and a half hours after the attack, arriving at 04:10 UTC.
ANALYSIS: This is the third boarding to be reported in the GoG region within the past five weeks. All vessels transiting within the area are advised to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, retain an enhanced local surveillance, maintain strict Anti-Piracy Watch, and apply BMP WA procedures. Report any suspicious activity to authorities.
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