02:33.7S - 080:06.3W, Around 25nm SW of Guayaquil, Ecuador
Incident Type
:
Boarded
Description
:
About 5-6 robbers in two speed boats approached and boarded a container ship underway using hooks attached with ropes and monkey ladders. Master raised alarm, crew mustered, armed themselves with crowbars and proceeded to the robbers boarding area. 3/O noticed that one of the robbers was armed with a gun and the Master immediately ordered all crewmembers to retreat back to the accommodation and lock all the doors. The robbers commenced throwing some boxes into their boats. Master was unable to increase speed or take evasive manoeuvres due to the available depth and width of navigable water. Once the robbers boats were full of stolen items, they jumped back into their boats and moved away. Due to the darkness and distance the Master was unable to determine if the robbers stole cargo from the containers or ship stores.
