GoAGT: “Kidnapping of U.S. citizens off Nigeria was avoidable”

The attack on a U.S.-flagged platform supply vessel C-Retriever by pirates off Nigeria’s coast, which resulted in two U.S. citizens being kidnapped, could have been completely avoided, maritime security firm GoAGT said.

Nick Davis, CEO of GoAGT, said, “The Edison Chouest-owned supply vessel was navigating a short distance off Brass, in Nigeria, on Wednesday 23rd when it was attacked. This is a recognized high risk area. It is imperative that vessels have incredibly competent crews, well trained in radar and visual lookout, 24 hours a day in this region and that they are not multi-tasking, untrained or fatigued seafarers on the bridge.”

"All vessels trading or supporting operations in this area should have a citadel and a highly trained reactive crew," he added. “This attack resulted in the Captain and Chief Engineer being kidnapped. It was completely and utterly avoidable, and a sad end to a day.”

And in a separate incident this week, a Joint Task Force (JFT) Nigeria security boat was also allegedly attacked by militants in Nigerian waters, resulting in all JFT personnel being killed and weapons stolen.

goagt.org