African-Osprey Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a gripping incident off the coast of Lagos, authorities apprehended a total of 12 stowaways, including one Ghanaian and eleven Nigerians, who attempted to sneak aboard the bulk carrier 'African Osprey'. The group, aged between 12 and 26, found refuge in an unused cabin on the vessel which was transporting dangerous materials. The 'African Osprey' departed from Tin-Can Port in Apapa on May 19, 2014. During their concealment, the stowaways managed to bring along essential supplies, such as kegs of water for hydration, snacks, and gari, a traditional cassava product common in West Africa. Their plight became evident when, halfway through the journey, they began banging on the cabin door after reportedly inhaling fumes from the hazardous cargo. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with Nigerian Navy personnel, intervened and rescued the stowaways, who have since been taken into custody at the Lagos anchorage. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of maritime safety and stowaway risks in Nigerian waters.