Preparing crew for the possibility of kidnap and ransom

Stuart Edmonston, of UK Club, says it is critical to plan ahead if ships and crews are to be protected against pirates

The Gulf of Guinea is currently thought to be the most dangerous region for seafarers. Kidnap abductions at sea are always dangerous and those in the Gulf of Guinea are no exception. The kidnappers often fire their weapons at and around the bridge to intimidate the crew and a number of crew members have been killed or badly injured during such abductions. The costs of protecting vessels in the region are well known. The attacks on vessels and the kidnapping of seafarers in this region, however, have a further impact on business.