Question: Can you comment on the situation with the seizing of the ship Curacao Trader, with Russian sailors aboard, in the Gulf of Guinea?

Answer: According to reports from Russian Embassies in Abuja and Cotonou, on July 17, the tanker Curacao Trader was attacked in neutral waters in the Gulf of Guinea, 210 nautical miles from the Benin coast. The criminals captured 13 of 19 crew members, among them 7 Russians. The ship operator is the Greek company Alison Management Corp and the port of registry is Monrovia (Liberia).

Eight armed pirates took part in the capture. They have not put forward any demands so far. On July 19, the tanker arrived at an anchorage near the Cotonou port (Benin).

Russian Embassies in Abuja and Cotonou remain in permanent contact with competent Nigerian and Beninese agencies and with the ship’s owners. We are taking all necessary steps to determine the whereabouts of these kidnapped Russian citizens and to have them released.