Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08LAGOS177
2008-05-15 10:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:  

NIGERIA: US COMPANY BOAT HIJACKED; PORTUGUESE,

Tags:  PGOV PREL ASEC NI 
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VZCZCXRO5013
RR RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #0177 1361040
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 151040Z MAY 08
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9908
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 9622
RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO 0195
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH AFB UK
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEWMFD/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000177 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: US COMPANY BOAT HIJACKED; PORTUGUESE,
UKRAINIAN, NIGERIAN CREW HELD IN RIVERS STATE

Classified By: Consul General Donna Blair for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000177

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: US COMPANY BOAT HIJACKED; PORTUGUESE,
UKRAINIAN, NIGERIAN CREW HELD IN RIVERS STATE

Classified By: Consul General Donna Blair for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)


1. (SBU) The motor vessel Lordes Tide, contracted to Chevron
and owned by US company Tidewater Marine, was hijacked by
unknown gunmen on May 13 en route from Onne (River State) to
Escravos (Delta State). A high ranking Chevron contact
confirmed to Econoff on May 14 that two expatriates, the
Portuguese captain and Ukrainian first mate, and nine
Nigerian nationals are being held captive. There are no
known injuries or fatalities. A ransom demand has been
issued.


2. (C) While Tidewater has the nominal lead in dealing with
the situation, Chevron is providing significant support,
especially with government contacts, according to the Chevron
source. Control Risks Group (CRG),a private company whose
business deals with hostage situations, is handling some of
the negotiations and Chevron and others are in contact with
the State Security Service (SSS),military Joint Task Force
(JTF),Naval Command, and Rivers State Governor Rotimi
Amaechi. Chevron has had radio contact with the vessel and
views this incident as purely criminal, but noted there is
some evidence of support from people onshore.


3. (C) Comment: It is difficult to determine whether the
seven month lull in kidnappings by Niger Delta militants has
come to an end or whether criminals operating strictly for
financial gain have struck again and are responsible for this
attack. We have not yet heard any militant group claim
responsibility for this kidnapping. We have been in direct
contact with SSS through our appropriate office at the
Embassy. They are aware that the boat belongs to a U.S.
company and that we want it returned as soon as possible. We
will continue to be in touch with SSS and Chevron's security
contacts to provide whatever assistance they might need from
us that is appropriate for us to pursue in this situation.
End Comment.


4. (U) This cable was cleared by Embassy Abuja.
BLAIR