There is no sign of the Gulf of Guinea piracy problem abating, and experts believe they have identified  the epicentre of pirate activities.
Last month saw four piracy incidents in the region, including one hijacking, two confirmed or suspected kidnaps and one suspicious approach, according security consultant Bergen Risk Solutions (BRS).
Placing this in wider context they add that over the past 12 months, 23 product tankers and 19 vessels servicing the petroleum industry have been targeted. At least one attack is now taking place every week, but because many incidents go unreported, the real total could be three times as high as that.
Analysis of vessels released off Ondo state, Nigeria, indicate that all activities have been conducted off the town of Aiyetoro, located half-way between Lagos and Escravos. “This area now appears to have solidified as the primary disembarkation location of the hijacking gangs,” BRS added.
Via: http://www.shiptalk.com
