Gabon, MINA – Several Indonesian and Chinese nationals were reportedly kidnapped by pirates from a fishing vessel in the waters of Gabon, Central Africa, according to local media reports on Monday.
“The Gabonese-flagged fishing vessel, IB FISH 7, was attacked by pirates while fishing approximately 7 nautical miles southeast of Equata in Gabonese waters,” said the Gabonese Navy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Charles Hubert Bekale Meyong, in a broadcast by Gabon 24 television.
Reading a statement from the Gabonese Ministry of Defense, Meyong stated that during the attack, three armed men abducted nine crew members, consisting of five Chinese nationals and four Indonesians.
Meanwhile, six other crew members, comprising Indonesian, Chinese, and Burkinabé nationals remained aboard the fishing vessel.
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Following the incident, the hijacked vessel was secured and escorted by security personnel to the port in the capital, according to a statement from the Gabonese government.
“The situation is currently under control at the highest levels of government, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure maritime security,” the Navy Chief of Staff added.
Local prosecutors have reportedly opened an investigation into the pirate abduction of the Indonesian nationals.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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