Nigeria and other countries within the Gulf of Guinea lost $5.9 million to 143 stowaway cases within the region in 2023, according to Africa Risk Compliance Limited.
The firm disclosed this at the maritime security conference organised by the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria and alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria recently in Lagos.
A report, presented by an intelligent analyst with ARC, Vanessa Hayford, underscored the growing challenges and financial impacts of stowaways in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Stowaways are individuals who covertly board vessels without authorisation from the master or other responsible parties.
These individuals hide within the vessel’s structure or cargo to evade detection.
The discovery of stowaways, particularly after the vessel has departed, can lead to costly delays, complex logistical issues, and severe financial implications for the shipping industry.
Hayford explained that in 2021/2022, the International Maritime Organisation reported that there were 345 stowaway incidents in the GoG, involving 892 individuals, costing the maritime industry an estimated $5.9m.
She noted the figure amounted to an average of $17,100 per incident and $6,600 per stowaway.
According to Hayford, these figures highlight the substantial economic burden that stowaway incidents impose on the industry.
“In 2021, the Gulf of Guinea reported 31 stowaway cases, involving 88 individuals. This number slightly decreased in 2022, with 25 incidents and 71 stowaways.
“However, 2023 saw a sharp increase, with 35 incidents involving 143 stowaways. This rise in cases underscores a significant escalation in the challenge of managing stowaway issues in the region,” Hayford declared.
She stated that preliminary data for 2024 indicated a potential improvement, with 14 stowaway cases reported so far, involving 60 individuals.
Hayford added that nine of those cases were detected before departure, which suggested that ports and vessels in the region were becoming more effective at identifying stowaways before vessels set sail.
“Early detection is crucial, as it helps mitigate the logistical and financial impacts associated with stowaways,” she said.
She further emphasised that despite some progress, the data available was not exhaustive, adding that it reflected only reported incidents and may not capture the full extent of the stowaway problem in the Gulf of Guinea.
She maintained that the rise in reported cases highlighted the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the growing threat of stowaways.
“Stowaways employ various methods to board vessels, including sneaking on board during cargo operations, posing as stevedores with fake documentation, hiding in containers, bribing port workers, or using small crafts to access vessels at anchor.
“Common hiding spots include empty containers, cargo holds, tanks, and behind false panels, with the rudder being a particularly dangerous location due to its exposure to harsh conditions and lack of necessities,” she concluded.
By Anozie Egole, PUNCH
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