Atlantic-Princess Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On June 30, 2021, the Economic Community of West African States Multinational Maritime Centre announced the successful release of five crew members from the 'Atlantic Princess' who had been held hostage by pirates since May 19. After 40 days of captivity, negotiations and an undisclosed payment to the captors resulted in the crew's safe return. The freed individuals include the Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Chief Engineer, and Boatswain's mate, all of whom are reported to be in good health following their harrowing ordeal.

In a shocking incident on May 20, 2021, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the fishing vessel 'Atlantic Princess' became the target of a brazen pirate attack in the Gulf of Guinea, specifically at coordinates 004 33 17.4N, 000 15 21.6E. A group of eight heavily armed pirates opened fire on the ship before five of them boarded and commanded the vessel to navigate southeast. The pirates remained on the 'Atlantic Princess' for about six hours, during which they abducted five crew members, including the Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Chief Engineer, and Boatswain's mate. In addition to the kidnappings, the marauders also looted crew belongings and valuables before fleeing the scene. Crew members later identified the assailants as Nigerians. Heading towards Tema at the time of the assault, this incident marks a significant rise in piracy activities, being the first kidnapping reported in two months and the westernmost attack recorded in the Gulf of Guinea this year. Alarmingly, since the start of 2021, a total of 56 sailors have been kidnapped in this region, raising serious concerns about maritime safety.