Netherlands-based MPP owner ForestWave Navigation has said that general cargo vessel FWN Rapide (IMO 9320520) was attacked by pirates early on April 21st, prior to entering Port Harcourt in Nigeria, with many of the crew being taken hostage.

“Based on the initial information we have received it appears sadly a number of our valued crew have been taken from the vessel. Forestwave have had temporary contact with the remaining crew on board and is currently in the process of establishing further contact with the ship in order to verify the information. Meanwhile the company is making arrangement to move FWN Rapide to a safe position”, ForestWave Navigation said.

ForestWave stressed that the safety of its seafarers was the absolute priority. The company’s emergency response team had been activated and was monitoring the situation “extremely closely”. The company said that it was in close contact with the authorities and was taking professional advice in order to secure the earliest release of those currently being held. “Together with our local representatives in the countries of origin of our valued seafarers we are keeping the families of the FWN Rapide crew informed about the situation”.

ForestWave said that it would not be providing any further information in order not to jeopardise the safety of those involved.

The ship was en route from Takoradi, Ghana to Onne, Nigeria, on the way to entering Port Harcourt, when the incident occurred.

2005-built, Netherlands-flagged, 7,767 gt FWN Rapide is owned by FWN Rapide BV care of manager ForestWave Navigation BV (FWN) of Groningen, Netherlands.

 

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