西非地区海上犯罪活动历时多年，船舶经营人也已熟悉该地区的犯罪，诸如在锚地抢劫船舶和盗窃货物等。 然而，近期发生的多起船舶劫持和船员绑架案件，使得西非海域的海上犯罪活动备受关注。
过去，西非主要的高危区为几内亚湾、贝宁湾和邦尼湾。包括多哥、贝宁和尼日利亚领水。
尽管科特迪瓦、多哥和贝宁水域的袭击数量有了明显的下降，但是大区域范围内还是存在极大的危险性，建议船舶在该区域运营时保持警惕。
详细信息请参阅附件。
West African Piracy Update
Maritime crime has been present in West Africa for many years and vessel operators familiar with the region will be well aware of crimes such as robbery from vessels at anchorages and pilferage of cargo. A number of recent high profile cases involving vessels being hijacked and crew members kidnapped have brought maritime crime in the waters off West Africa into greater focus.
In the past, the main high risk area encompassed the Gulf of Guinea, the Bight of Benin and the Bight of Bonny. This includes the territorial waters of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
Although the number of attacks have dropped significantly in the territorial waters of the Ivory Coast, Togo and Benin, the general area remains extremely hazardous and vigilance is recommended when operating within the region.
See attached file: West African Piracy Update.pdf
