Tanker owner Union Maritime, released a statement in which it informs that its vessel, MT Barrett, which is managed by V- Ships India and was at Anchorage at Cotonou, Benin in Gulf of Guinea West Africa, has not been heard from since late on Tuesday 9th January.
Fleetmon report states -
Information from different sources is contradicting – some say tanker was at Cotonou Anchorage when connection was lost, some say she was under way. Latest known AIS position at 0214 UTC Jan 9 was in 06 14N 002 30E, according to other sources latest known position 05 07N 002 21E is dated 0903 UTC Jan 10.
Since then it has been nearly a week and company has not come out with any statement regarding the well being of it has crew. Neither it has confirmed whether ship has been hijacked.
There are 22 crew onboard MT Barrette. According to sources out of 22, 11 are Indians and rest are Nigerians. While we tried to contact V ships India office but could not get any reply.
The company alerted the local authorities on Wednesday and is now exploring all possible options and efforts as it monitor the situation.
“Whilst we are tirelessly working to locate the vessel, our primary concern is for the 22 crew on board and ensuring their safety.” Union Maritime representative stated.
Reports say that one possibility is that the tanker was hijacked, in order for its cargo to be stolen.
The MT Barrett is a 11,999-dwt tanker built 2005 and registered in the Marshall Islands.
This incident comes in a time where piracy, especially in West Africa, has increased.
This incident comes in a time where piracy, especially in West Africa, has increased.
Apart from HRA of Gulf of Aden, piracy has substantially increased in Gulf of Guinea area. Crew kidnapping has also been reported in Gulf of Guinea in 2017.
We are waiting for any confirmed news from V ships India or from the owner regarding the crew onboard. Crew safety is our major concern. 
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