Loss Prevention Advice
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A key information relating to stowaway incidents and loss prevention measures, highlighting the ongoing risks at West African ports and the importance of proactive strategies to protect vessels and crew.
Case studies
As explained, during the 2025 P&I year, the number and geographic distribution of stowaway cases handled by China P&I Club indicate that stowaway incidents remain frequent in Africa, especially at West African ports. The Club has provided three case studies of incidents occurring throughout the year. These are:
Case #1
In February 2025, member vessel A departed from Lagos, Nigeria, bound for Kribi, Cameroon. Before leaving Lagos, the captain reported conducting two stowaway prevention inspections and confirmed safety.
However, several days later, after anchoring at Kribi, a stowaway was discovered at the deck ladder by a duty sailor.
The stowaway stated that he had gone to the vessel’s crane control room after boarding and hid in a corner there.
After discovery, the crew properly accommodated him in a cabin, and with the assistance of the local shipping agent, he was repatriated from Kribi.
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A dangerous goods quick reference guide regarding corrosive substances, outlining do’s and don’ts on handling those Class 8 cargoes.
Class 8 dangerous goods include corrosive substances that chemically damage living tissue and metals. They can react violently, produce heat and gases when mixed with other substances or exposed to temperature deviations. Risks include property damage, cargo damage, injury, environmental harm, insurance invalidation, and potential criminal prosecution.
Examples:
Acids: Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid), Nitric acid, Hydrofluoric acid.
Alkalis/Bases: Caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide), Caustic soda (Sodium hydroxide), Ammonia anhydrous, some drain cleaners, some bleaches.
Classification is influenced by chemistry (organic/inorganic) and state (liquid/solid).
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A Ukrainian drone attack damaged two vessels, two piers and sparked a fire in a village on the Black Sea coast in Russia’s Krasnodar region, regional authorities said on 22 December.
The damage led to a fire spreading up to 1,500 square metres (1,794 square yards), said authorities. By 0200 GMT the fire was still raging. All crew on the ships at the Volna terminal on the Black Sea have been safely evacuated, the Krasnodar region’s operational headquarters said on the Telegram messaging app.
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Over the past week, 16-22 December, two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The incident occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), approximately 5.4 nm off Pulau Cula, Indonesia, on 17 Dec 2025 at 0110 hrs. The ship involved was a bulk carrier, and three perpetrators armed with batons were reported. The crew members were not injured during the incident. The significance level was assessed as CAT 3, and engine spare parts were stolen.