Reviews & Ratings for the Kerala

The inquiry into the alarming hijacking incident involving the 75,000-dwt tanker Kerala, which took place off the coast of Luanda on January 18, has reached its conclusion, and a detailed report is set to be released soon. This comprehensive investigation stems from the collaborative efforts of a multinational incident response team spearheaded by INTERPOL. The Liberian authorities had previously requested the presence of this response team in Tema, a port designated as a safe haven for the Dynacom-operated Kerala following the pirates' departure. In addition to this, Ghanaian law enforcement initiated a thorough crime scene investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the hijacked vessel made its way to Nigeria, where it is suspected that the Nigerian pirates unloaded the ship’s cargo. During the harrowing hijacking episode, reports from London’s Tanker Operator indicate that the fourth engineer suffered stab wounds, while several crew members were assaulted. The pirates took significant measures to thwart recovery efforts by disabling the Kerala's AIS and communication systems to evade detection. However, contact with the vessel was re-established on January 26, shortly after the hijackers vacated the ship. Subsequently, the Kerala navigated to Tema and was guided back to Angolan waters by local navy personnel. The vessel was subsequently cleared for discharge at Luanda on February 19 but remains in Angolan custody until further instructions are issued. Dynacom, the company behind the Kerala, has experience in dealing with piracy; their 157,000-dwt suezmax tanker, Smyrni, was notably the last vessel seized by Somali pirates before being released following a ransom. This recent case underscores ongoing challenges in maritime security and the need for robust protective measures in high-risk regions.

The tanker 'Kerala' has been handed back to Angolan authorities following its mysterious disappearance off the coast of Luanda earlier this year. In January, the vessel was intercepted by the Nigerian Navy after reportedly being hijacked. The state-owned oil company, Sonangol, revealed that approximately $8 million worth of diesel was stolen during the incident while the ship was operating under a time charter with them. Dynacom Tankers Management, the Greek owner of the 'Kerala', confirmed that pirates commandeered the ship and took the cargo. However, the Angolan government suggested that the crew may have staged the attack. According to Sonangol, the 'Kerala' was located in Nigerian waters. Due to security concerns in that region, the tanker was subsequently moved to Ghanaian waters before being successfully reclaimed with assistance from authorities in both nations. Sonangol reported recovering around 78 percent of the cargo; nonetheless, a significant loss of 12,000 tons of diesel remains unaccounted for. As of now, there has been no official statement regarding the identity of the diesel thieves.

In a successful operation, the Nigerian Navy apprehended the tanker 'Kerala', which was suspected of being hijacked off the coast of Luanda. This major development followed a four-day search conducted in the Gulf of Guinea through the Navy's remote surveillance system and active search patrols. Currently, the vessel is being held under Ghanaian custody at the Port of Tema, while Interpol agents delve into the details surrounding the hijacking incident. The saga commenced on January 23, when the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) alerted the Navy to the reported hijacking of the 'Kerala' near Luanda, Angola. Just two days later, on January 25, the IMB pinpointed the vessel's location approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of the Pennington Oil Terminal in Nigeria. In a prompt reaction, the Navy dispatched three patrol vessels to locate the tanker. Notably, two other vessels, the tanker 'Itri' and the tug 'Gare', were operating in proximity to the 'Kerala', allegedly engaging in ship-to-ship transfers—an act that potentially violated Nigerian maritime laws. The 'Itri' was eventually tracked down near Lagos and apprehended by members of the Nigerian Naval team alongside personnel from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). If confirmed, the illicit ship-to-ship transfer activities would represent a serious breach of regulations within Nigerian waters. Furthermore, the unwillingness of the 'Kerala's' crew and owners to cooperate following their release from pirate control has raised questions regarding their credibility and the possibility of collusion. Currently, the Nigerian Navy is awaiting insights from ongoing investigations led by Interpol, as well as cooperation from Nigeria’s High Commission in Ghana and collaboration with Angolan and Ghanaian Navies. The crew’s testimony could prove crucial in uncovering any potential accomplices tied to the hijacking event.