Nine kidnapped, one injured after pirates attack LPG carrier in Gulf of Guinea

Nine seafarers have been kidnapped, and another has been injured following a piracy attack on an LPG carrier in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa.

Denmark-based Christiania Gas reported on 3 December that its 2003-built, company-operated Cgas Saturn was targeted, resulting in “nine crew members having been taken.”

Four other crew members remain safe on board, with one sustaining “light injuries” and receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, Cgas Saturn has moved to safer waters.

“Christiania Gas is greatly concerned about the attack on its vessel and seafarers. The company’s main priority is now to establish contact with the missing crew and ensure their earliest and safe release,” the owner said.

The emergency response team is co-ordinating with all relevant authorities, who were notified immediately after the incident, while the company remains in close contact with the seafarers’ families.

“For the time being, Christiania Gas will not provide further information to avoid jeopardising the safety of those involved,” the company added.

Piracy on the rise

Piracy incidents have been increasing recently, with the most recent cases occurring off Somalia, including the boarding of a Greek-owned MR tanker.

According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau, from January to September 2025, 15 incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea region, up from 12 during the same period in 2024.

Of these, 10 occurred in territorial waters and were classified as armed robbery, while the remaining five fell under the definition of piracy.