A Portugal-flagged LPG tanker was attacked by pirates off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, resulting in the kidnapping of at least nine crew members. This incident underscores the continuing piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea.
The vessel, CGas Saturn, a 2003-built LPG carrier owned by Denmark’s Christiania Gas, was attacked approximately 50 nautical miles west of Mbini (near Bata) while en route to Malabo. After the assault, four crew members were left aboard the ship, and one was reportedly injured, possibly by a stray bullet.
With a freeboard of only 2.3 meters, CGas Saturn was vulnerable to a well-organized pirate attack in the region, which continues to plague vessels operating there.
Despite ongoing international naval patrols and regional cooperation, piracy remains persistent in the Gulf of Guinea. Between January and September 2025, 15 maritime security incidents were recorded, up from 12 in the same period in 2024. Of these, five were categorized as piracy, and 14 crew members were kidnapped.
This latest attack highlights the persistent dangers of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, despite efforts to secure the region. It is a stark reminder of the risks faced by shipping companies and crews operating in these waters.
