Gulf of Guinea Pirates: Pirated Vessel Reportedly Found in Shipyard in Ghana

Red arrow points to Ghana

One of the differences between Gulf of Guinea piracy and Somali piracy is that the failed state of Somalia provides a couple of "safe havens" for the pirates to hold captured ships and their crews until they are ransomed, whereas the states along the Gulf of Guinea, while not all strong, have not failed to the extent of Somalia. However, even in these states, there just might be some level of corruption that might allow a different sort of piracy. It appears, according to this report, The Nation - "NIMASA traces missing vessel to Ghanaian shipyard", Ghana may have such a problem:

A Motor Tanker Vessel, MT KEMEPADE which was reported missing from the Lagos anchorage on Wednesday 28th September2011 has been found in a Ship Yard at Tema Habour in Ghana with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) number wipped off.

The Vessel, which was reported missing by the owner had one sailor on board at the time of the incident.

In line with her statutory responsibilities to ensure safety and security of ships on Nigerian waters, the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, requested shipping in the area via radio to report sighting.

Aside of deploying Automatic Identification Tracking System (AIS),the Agency also collaborated with neigbouring countries such as Togo, Liberia and Benin through their Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) to enhance the search operation.

Five days later, the Vessel was found in a Ship Yard at Tema Habour in Ghana with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) number completely wipped off.

While the Agency is yet to determin the fate of the sole crew member onboard at the time of dissapearance, NIMASA is liaising with Ghanian Authorities for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the agency has issued a stearn warning to all those who engage in illegal business in the nation’s territorial waters to desist from such acts henceforth.(sic)

If true, Ghana is not unique in having this issue. A few months ago, a hijacked tug was found in a shipyard in the Philippines, as noted here and there are previous incidents involving China.