Pirates Kidnap Four Seafarers from Greek Tanker off Togo

Armed pirates have kidnapped four crew members from a Greece-flagged tanker off the coast of Togo, the Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed.

The vessel, identified as the 94,143 dwt Elka Aristotle, was boarded by pirates while anchored near the West African port of Lome on November 4, 2019.

The attack resulted in the kidnapping of four of the ship’s 24 crew members, according to the coast guard.

“The vessel and remaining crew are safe,” European Navigation, the vessel’s operator, said in a separate statement.

Of the kidnapped crewmen, one is Greek, one Georgian and two are Filipino nationals.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure their prompt and safe release,” the Greek company added.

The Hellenic Coast Guard also said that the country’s authorities were “closely monitoring” the issue.

The incident occurred only two days after nine crew members were taken hostage from a bulk carrier off Cotonou, Benin. The anchored vessel was boarded by perpetrators while it was waiting for berth to discharge cargo.

World Maritime News Staff