Armed Robbery Aboard Container Vessel Near Guayaquil, Ecuador

September 22, 01:00 UTC: Two duty crew onboard a container ship under pilotage near position 02:32.44S, 080:05.72W (approx. 4.5nm WNW of Isla Escalante, Ecuador) failed to respond to routine radio checks from the OOW. Investigations revealed that both the crews had been assaulted and tied up. They reported that seven persons armed with a shotgun had boarded, taken them hostage and stolen their personal effects and radios before escaping. The ship proceeded to Posorja roads where the coast guard and anti-narcotics police team boarded and searched the vessel. Once clearance was given the ship resumed her passage.

Source: ICC