Atlantic-Princess

The Economic Community of West African States Multinational Maritime Centre, reported on June 30, 2021, that the five crew members of the 'Atlantic Princess' who had been captured by pirates off the Atlantic coast on May 19, have been released released after successful negotiations and an undisclosed payment to the captors. The Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Chief Engineer, and Boatswains mate had been in captivity for 40 days. All were reported to be safe and in good health.

On May 20, 2021, at 6.30 a.m. pirates attacked the 'Atlantic Princess' in the Gulf of Guinea in pos. 004 33 17.4N, 000 15 21.6E,. Eight armed pirates opened fire on the fishing vessel before five of them boarded the ship and instructed it to sail on a southeasterly direction. The pirates stayed onboard the vessel for about six hours, before disembarking with five abducted crew members, including the Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Chief Engineer and Boatswain's mate. The pirates also stole crew's belongings and valuables. The crew identified the pirates as Nigerians. The vessel was en route to Tema. In addition to being the first kidnapping after two months, the attack was also the westernmost attack in the Gulf of Guinea so far. Since the beginning of the year, 56 sailors have so far been kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea.