Leonhardt & Blumberg, operators of the 23,416 dwt container ship "HANSA MARBURG” regret to confirm that the vessel was attacked by criminal gangs some 130 miles south west of the Port of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on April 22. Following the attack four seafarers, including Ukrainian, Kiribati and Russian citizens were taken hostage. No injuries were reported among the remaining crew members who continued with the vessel to Senegal. The Company is in contact with the families of those being held and those on board.

All the appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the German police and Flag State.
Leonhardt & Blumberg is totally committed to the safe return of its seafarers but will not be providing any operational details which could jeopardise the safety of those being held.

The Owners request that all interested parties respect the need for utmost confidentiality in this process. To that end, the Owners do not expect to make any further comment on this matter until it is concluded.

Contact: Pat Adamson +44 7836 766 947 or +44 207 823 9444