Working Conditions Aboard the Sea-Phantom

On February 7, a dramatic maritime incident unfolded when a group of eight pirates attempted to commandeer a tanker. Despite their efforts, the crew managed to secure themselves in a citadel, rendering the pirates' mission unsuccessful. The vessel, navigating at high speed and executing sudden maneuvers, created turbulent waves that complicated the pirates' boarding efforts. After a prolonged chase, the assailants eventually managed to board the ship, only to find the crew safely ensconced in their secure location. Frustrated and likely running low on time, the pirates abandoned their takeover attempt and left the tanker. With the immediate danger gone, the crew emerged from their sanctuary and successfully navigated to Malabo, ensuring their safe arrival later that same day. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by maritime vessels in piracy-prone waters but also the effectiveness of emergency protocols to safeguard crew members.

On the night of February 7, 2021, the oil tanker 'Sea Phantom' fell victim to a pirate attack in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately southwest of Douala, Cameroon. The incident occurred around 11:18 PM as the vessel was making its way from Lome to Douala, precisely positioned at 02 00.0N 008 15.0E. As pirates pursued the tanker in a speedboat, the crew attempted to evade capture by increasing their speed to 12.7 knots and executing rapid maneuvers, including a sharp turn to starboard. Ultimately, the 'Sea Phantom' came to a standstill, drifting in the ocean. This suggests that the crew may have shut down the engines and potentially retreated to the citadel for safety, although this detail has yet to be confirmed.