Theft - Abidjan Anchorage, Côte d'Ivoire

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

08 April 2025; 0145hrs

Location:

Abidjan Anchorage, Côte d'Ivoire

Latitude/Longitude: 

5° 13' 54.00" N, 4° 3' 17.00" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag & Status

N/A

Incident Type:

Theft

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

On 08 April 2025 at 0145hrs UTC, an unidentified vessel anchored off Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire was approached by a small boat at the starboard anchor chain. One individual attempted to board by climbing the chain to the forecastle. Upon detection by the crew, who immediately began shouting, the general alarm was sounded. The intruder promptly retreated.

Response Actions

- Self-defence Measures

Stolen items

- None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a common tactic used by opportunistic thieves in West African ports. The attackers likely intended to conduct a stealthy boarding to steal valuable items from the deck or crew quarters. The swift response by the crew, particularly their immediate verbal challenge and activation of the general alarm, proved effective in deterring the boarding attempt. This highlights the importance of maintaining vigilant watch even while at anchor, especially during nighttime hours when most such incidents occur. The use of the anchor chain for boarding attempts is a recurring method in this region, as it provides a quiet and accessible route to the deck for ill-equipped perpetrators.

Recommendations

- Maintain continuous deck watch while at anchor, with particular attention to the waterline and anchor chains.

- Ensure all external doors and access points are secured, and implement a 'citadel' or safe muster point for crew.

- Install and regularly test ship's alarms, and train crew on immediate response procedures for boarding attempts.

Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.

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