Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04LAGOS2572
2004-12-28 06:10:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:  

SEABULK EMPLOYEE TAKEN HOSTAGE

Tags:  EPET CASC PGOV ASEC MOPS NI 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 002572 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR CA/OCS/FROBINSON
STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR/BLEVINE
STATE FOR DS/IP/AF
STAT FOR INR/AA
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY
STATE PASS TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS AND SRENENDER
STATE PASS DOC FOR PHUPER
STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION FOR MARAD
STATE PASS OPIC FOR CDUFFY
STATE PASS TDA FOR BTERNET
STATE PASS EXIM FOR JRICHTER
STATE PASS USTR FOR ASST USTR SLISER
STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2014
TAGS: EPET CASC PGOV ASEC MOPS NI
SUBJECT: SEABULK EMPLOYEE TAKEN HOSTAGE

Classified By: Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reason
s 1.4 (D & E)

Summary
--------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 002572

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR CA/OCS/FROBINSON
STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR/BLEVINE
STATE FOR DS/IP/AF
STAT FOR INR/AA
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY
STATE PASS TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS AND SRENENDER
STATE PASS DOC FOR PHUPER
STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION FOR MARAD
STATE PASS OPIC FOR CDUFFY
STATE PASS TDA FOR BTERNET
STATE PASS EXIM FOR JRICHTER
STATE PASS USTR FOR ASST USTR SLISER
STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2014
TAGS: EPET CASC PGOV ASEC MOPS NI
SUBJECT: SEABULK EMPLOYEE TAKEN HOSTAGE

Classified By: Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reason
s 1.4 (D & E)

Summary
--------------


1. (C) Seabulk reported to Energy Off on 26 December that
an employee was taken hostage near Amatu, Bayelsa State, on
25 December while carrying out operations for Shell. The
employee is a Croatian national. The Iduwini National
Movement for Peace and Development is demanding ransom and
other concessions from Shell and its contractors for his
release. Shell and Seabulk are negotiating with Delta and
Bayelsa state and local officials tomorrow, 28 December. The
Seabulk Managing Director recently reported to us that
security in the Delta region is becoming less certain, and
Seabulk has had to forgo contracts and lose money due to
increased security concerns.

Seabulk Croatian Employee Kidnapped From Vessel at Gunpoint
-------------- --------------


2. (C) Managing Director (MD) Robert Clemmons of Seabulk
reported that Croatian employee, engineer Ivan Roso, was
taken hostage near Amatu, Bayelsa State, approximately 20
miles off-shore of the Dodo River, on 25 December. A Seabulk
vessel was operating for Shell when it was approached by a
heavily armed boat mounted with a 50-caliber machine gun.
Bandits commandeered the Seabulk vessel; the vessel and most
of the crew were eventually released. However, Roso, the
first mate, was retained as a hostage; it is not clear why he
was targeted. Seabulk management believes Roso is possibly
being held at an old cement factory in Bayelsa State.
Clemmons stated that reports indicate Roso is being treated
well.

Iduwini National Movement Makes Ransom Demands

-------------- --


3. (C) Clemmons reports a group called the Iduwini National
Movement for Peace and Development has made numerous demands
for Roso's release, including ransom ranging from 20 million
to 50 million Naira (approximately 147,000 USD to 367,000
USD). Clemmons stated that Seabulk appears to have been
caught in the middle of a dispute between Shell; Shell's
normal contractor in the area, Maersk; and members of the
Iduwini Movement. (Note: Seabulk had agreed to lift oil for
Shell during the holidays, as its normal contractor for this
area, Maersk, was not operating. End note.) Additional
demands by the Iduwini National Movement for Roso's release
are directed towards Shell and Maersk, and relate to
employment, memorandums of understanding, and ceasing legal
action against the group. Clemmons charged Shell, in
critical need of a substitute for Maersk, with concealing the
true level of operational risk in the area from Seabulk.

Negotiations On-Going in Bayelsa and Delta
--------------


4. (C) Clemmons reported Shell is taking the lead role in
the negotiations; Shell and Seabulk are seeking assistance
from both Bayelsa and Delta State officials. (While Roso was
kidnapped in Bayelsa State, many key security officials for
both the government and Shell are based in Warri, Delta
State.) In line with advice from the CG, Clemmons will meet
tomorrow, 28 December, with the Delta State Governor and
other officials to seek assistance prior entering
negotiations with the Iduwini Movement. The CG has offered
to further assist by interceding with state officials if
Seabulk believes it is necessary. Energy Off, RSO, and ACS
Officer have maintained regular contact with Clemmons, and
have given him advice on negotiations and personal safety as
he travels in the Delta region. (Note: Clemmons is an AMCIT,
and a regular Consulate contact in tracking events in the
region.)

Clemons had Predicted Upswing in Violence
--------------


5. (C) In a discussion with Energy Off one week ago,
Clemmons predicted an upswing in violence in the Delta again
after the holidays, when operations again return to full
swing. Consistent with other recent reports from
interlocutors in the region, Clemmons stated security in the
Delta region is becoming critical. Retaining staff is
becoming a large issue; the captain of the vessel
commandeered on 25 December is leaving the country. Clemmons
observed that security costs are escalating significantly.
For example, entry into an area now requires prior
negotiations with the community. Seabulk maintains on-going
discussions with 17 communities to support its current
operations. These security complications have caused Seabulk
to lose several million dollars in the last few months in
increased costs and lost business opportunities.

Donated Chevron Boats May Pose a Danger
--------------


6. (C) Clemmons also claimed that two speed boats donated
by Chevron Texaco to its host community in Escravos are now
being used to hold up maritime vessels. Clemmons reported
the vessels are capable of 28 and 32 knots, and are faster
than any Seabulk vessel, placing his and other maritime crews
in considerable danger. Clemmons reported at least one of the
vessels has a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on it.
(Comment: We cannot currently confirm this claim about the
use of the Chevron-donated boats. However, it highlights the
complexities of operating in the Delta. Assets used to
resolve one problem can transform to cause another problem.
We will check with Chevron to learn the current status of the
two donated boats, and comment septel. End comment.)

BROWNE