Chemical/oil products tanker Pantelena (IMO 9321469) has been reported missing since August 14th, the last time that there was any contact with the ship.
The tanker was last reported to be sailing in the Gulf of Guinea with 17 Georgian sailors on board. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia said that an investigation into the incident was underway, in cooperation with owner Lotus Shipping from Greece, the Panama Ship Registry and other relevant authorities, including military forces such as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Six separate incidents have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea, which is one of the few places in the world where piracy is on the increase. The true number of incidents in the Gulf is believed to be significantly higher.
Panama-flagged, 2006-built, 7,064 gt Pantelena is owned and managed by Lotus Shipping Co Ltd of Athens, Greece. It is entered with UK Club (Area Group Piraeus H1) on behalf of Lobong Shipping Co.