Boarding - 60nm South of Lome, Ghana - Update

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

28 August 2026, 1905hrs

Location:

60nm South of Lome, Ghana

Latitude/Longitude: 

5° 9' 59" N, 1° 21' 59" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Endo Ponente, Tanker, Malta, Steaming

Incident Type:

Boarding

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Update 1:

Subsequent reports have indicated that up to 18 perpetrators were involved in the boarding, suggesting a sophisticated and well-coordinated attack.

Moreover, at 0200UTC, a Togo military asset boarded the tanker and confirmed the vessel was clear and the crew were safe. The rapid and effective intervention by Togolese military forces is noteworthy, as they were able to respond to the vessel 60NM offshore within hours of the initial report. This suggests improved maritime security capabilities in the region.

Initial Alert:

On 28th August 2025, at around 1905 hrs UTC, when transiting from Lome, Togo to the Democratic Republic of Congo, at about 60 N.miles south Lome, Ghana waters, one tanker, ENDO PONENTE, was reportedly boarded by sea pirates. The pirates had approached the vessel in a skiff. According to the initial report, the master alerted shore-based staff, and all crew retreated to the citadel. All crew have since been reported as safe. 

Response Actions

- Self-defence Measures

Stolen items

- N/A

Key findings

This is the second incident just south of Lome reported in recent months. In May 2025, a Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier anchored approximately 8NM south of Lome, Togo, experienced two attempted robbery incidents over a 24-hour period. Moreover, in March 2025, a fishing vessel was attacked 16NM southwest of Accra, Ghana and crewmembers were kidnapped. The incidents represent a concerning escalation in maritime crime and piracy off the coast of Ghana. 

Recommendations

- Maintain heightened vigilance and multiple lookouts.

- Conduct regular security drills to ensure rapid crew response to boardings.

- Consider additional physical security measures around engine room access points.

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