Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Lady-Luciana

Itoruboemi L., a 35-year-old Nigerian, has faced the court in Rotterdam once more, receiving a three-year prison sentence for his involvement in the hijacking of the 'BBC Caribbean' (IMO: 9378242) in February 2017. This ruling follows his earlier conviction in 2022 for a similar crime involving the vessel 'FWN Rapide', which is now known as 'Lady Luciana'. In the case of the 'BBC Caribbean', Itoruboemi L. was part of a group of armed pirates who boarded the ship and took eight crew members hostage. The captives were transported to the Nigerian mainland, where they endured weeks of captivity. Ultimately, a ransom was paid by the shipping company, leading to the crew's release. This latest sentence adds to the eight-year prison term previously handed down to Itoruboemi L. for his participation in the 'FWN Rapide' hijacking, which resulted in 11 crew members being taken hostage and hidden in different jungle locations across Nigeria. During the proceedings, the court acknowledged that Itoruboemi L. likely faced socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria. His defense attorney argued that he was under significant duress during the 'BBC Caribbean' hijacking, attributing his actions to financial difficulties. However, the evidence painted a different picture, with his DNA found on a cigarette butt aboard the hijacked ship, and a distinctive dolphin necklace he wore during the incident being recalled by hostages. As maritime security remains a growing concern, cases like that of Itoruboemi L. highlight the complex motivations and circumstances leading to acts of piracy in the region.

A 34-year-old man, previously sentenced for hijacking the 'FWN Rapide' and taking the crew hostage, faced arrest again on November 12, 2024. This latest legal action stems from his alleged involvement in the hijacking of the German vessel 'BBC Caribbean', currently known as 'Kimberly', in the Gulf of Guinea back in 2017. The individual's DNA was matched to evidence collected from a cigarette butt left on the ship, providing a crucial link to the crime. The distressing incident occurred on February 5, 2017, when the 'BBC Caribbean' was attacked in international waters by armed pirates wielding AK-47 Kalashnikovs. During the assault, eight crew members were taken hostage and forced to endure weeks of captivity in Nigeria, facing threats of violence. Fortunately, three crew members evaded capture by hiding on the vessel. With a new crew onboard, they successfully navigated the ship to safety at the port of Las Palmas. Following the hijacking, investigators gathered significant evidence, including cartridge cases, cigarette butts, fingerprints, and DNA samples from the crime scene. Reports from the liberated hostages described a harrowing experience, with the pirates celebrating their capture with alcohol and drugs, carelessly firing their weapons into the air. In the aftermath, the investigation into the 'FWN Rapide' incident led to the apprehension of the pirate leader in South Africa in 2018, who was subsequently extradited to the Netherlands. In 2022, the Rotterdam District Court sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison, with no appeals filed. In coordination with German authorities, the Netherlands has requested to prosecute the suspect for the 'BBC Caribbean' hijacking and hostage situation. Utilizing information from the German investigation file, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service has ready a case file for the Rotterdam District Court. Following his recent arrest by detectives from the National Expertise and Operations Unit (LX), the examining magistrate has ordered the man to remain in custody for two weeks as he prepares to face trial for this new criminal case starting November 14.

A significant development occurred as South African authorities apprehended a 28-year-old Nigerian male on charges related to piracy. This arrest comes in connection with the notorious abduction of 11 out of the 14 crew members aboard the vessel 'FWN Rapide' in April. The incident unfolded while the ship was navigating from Ghana to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fortunately, the crew members were released after a harrowing month in captivity, while two other crew members managed to escape, and a third found refuge in hiding. Prompt action was taken by the Dutch authorities, as a criminal investigation was launched immediately in the Netherlands, the ship's flag state, following the abduction. This swift response led to an international arrest warrant being issued for the suspect. He was ultimately detained during a transit period in South Africa. It remains unclear how many perpetrators were involved in this piracy incident, as the investigation continues to delve deeper into the case.