PIRATES have kidnapped at least nine seafarers from a gas carrier off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, security sources in the region have told Lloyd’s List.

The incident occurred approximately 50 nautical miles west of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea on board Portugal-flagged, 3,090 dwt gas carrier CGas Saturn (IMO: 9261566), part of Danish company Christiana Shipping’s fleet.

Christiana confirmed that nine members of the vessel’s crew have been taken by the pirates, with four still remaining on board. One member of the crew sustained light injuries and and is receiving medical care on board. 

“Christiania Gas is greatly concerned about the attack on its vessel and seafarers,” the company told Lloyd’s List. 

“The company’s main priority now is to establish contact with the missing crew to secure their earliest and safe release. The emergency response team are liaising with all relevant authorities who have been notified immediately after the incident. The company is in close contact with the families of the seafarers to support them in this extremely difficult time.

“For the time being Christiania Gas will not be providing any further information in order not to jeopardise the safety of those involved.”

This incident follows the kidnapping of 10 crew members of an asphalt tanker off Sao Tome and Principe in March 2025.

The Gulf of Guinea had long taken over Somalia as the primary piracy hotspot, with the International Maritime Bureau receiving 18 reports of incidents in 2024 in the Gulf versus just eight off Somalia.

But incidents in the region had been declining since the 84 reported in 2020, before the boarding of Bitu River (IMO: 9918133) earlier this year.