Tanker hijacked off Benin – local groups inspired by Somali pirates

The Greek-owned and Liberia-flagged Aegean Star has a crew of 20 and was seized as it travelled from Ghana to Benin. The crew is believed to be safe but their current location is not known.

Local groups have been inspired by pirate activity in the Niger Delta, and while hijackings are far less frequent than in areas affected by Somali pirates, vessel operators are nonetheless still advised to exercise particular caution in the region.