Pirates Release Kidnapped Tanker Crew off Togo

Friday, December 13, 2019

Pirates have released three crew taken hostage from a Greek oil tanker off the coast of the West African country of Togo in November, the vessel's manager said on Friday.

A fourth hostage, a Filipino, died from illness during captivity, European Products Carriers Ltd added.

It did not give details of the release.

The tanker, Elka Aristotle, was attacked on Nov. 4 about 18 km (11 miles) from the port of Lome. The pirates fled after kidnapping two Filipinos, one Greek and one Georgian.

The released men were safe and were "being debriefed by the local authorities prior to returning home to the Philippines, Greece and Georgia respectively", the company said.

A full investigation had been launched into the death of the Filipino.

"It is understood that his demise was not as a result of any actions by those holding the crew hostage but due to illness," European Products Carriers said in a statement.

While piracy has decreased worldwide, West Africa's Gulf of Guinea is a high-risk area for abductions and armed robbery.

Armed guards were present on the Greek boat and tried to fight off the attackers and one was wounded, the Togo navy had said.

Reporting by Renee Maltezou

Categories: People & Company News Legal Government Update Maritime Security / Eye On The Navy

Related Stories

Ports Urge Congress to Reverse Infrastructure Funding Cuts

US Commerce Disorganization Stalls Thousands of Export Approvals

Federal Maritime Commission Publishes Update of its Official Case Law Reporter

Current News

Mitsui E&S Receives Vietnamese Order for 22 Container Cranes

Panama Maritime Authority to Cancel Registrations of 17 US-Sanctioned Ships

Ports Urge Congress to Reverse Infrastructure Funding Cuts

US Commerce Disorganization Stalls Thousands of Export Approvals

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News