A Gabonese-flagged fishing vessel was attacked early Sunday, January 11th, approximately seven nautical miles southwest of the Equata area. The assault resulted in the abduction of nine crew members.
According to authorities, the abducted consist of five Chinese and four Indonesian nationals. Six other sailors, of Indonesian, Chinese, and Burkinabé nationalities, were found safe onboard the vessel. The ship has been escorted under naval protection to the port of Libreville.
The Gabonese Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack in an official statement, indicating that it was carried out by an armed group operating at sea. Brigadier General Hubert Bekale Meyong, Commander of the National Navy, elaborated on the nationalities of those abducted, highlighting the international composition of the targeted crew.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Libreville has announced the opening of a judicial investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident and identify the perpetrators.
The maritime sector is a cornerstone of Gabon’s economy, serving as a major hub for industrial fishing, trade, and coastal tourism. These activities provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and Gabonese waters are considered among the richest in fish stocks in Central Africa.
This attack occurs amidst a rise in piracy and armed assaults in the Gulf of Guinea, which is classified as one of the most dangerous maritime areas in the world. This incident presents Gabon with increasing challenges in securing its territorial waters and protecting its maritime sector, a vital pillar of the country’s economy.
