23 October 1998 TO ALL MEMBERS Dear Sirs UNREST IN NIGERIA - WARRI AREA & ESCRAVOS RIVER The Managers wish to alert Members to the current situation in Nigeria which has been reported by the Association's Warri Correspondents, Pandiship (Nigeria) Limited. The situation in Warri Port and Escravos River areas has become serious with armed pirates patrolling the river, boarding vessels and demanding money. The Escravos Bar has been blockaded to prevent vessels entering or leaving the river. It is considered unsafe for vessels to move on the river, even with armed escorts. One vessel destined for Warri Port has been diverted to Port Harcourt. There have been riots in the port area and all loading/discharging has been stopped. A Turkish vessel has been attacked twice, the second time by armed men. The latest situation is that the Port is quiet with all workers having been sent away by armed tribal factions who are roving the area. It is understood that Shell and Chevron are evacuating workers from oil rigs operating in troubled areas but other operations are continuing. All movements to and from offshore are being performed by helicopter as service craft are not using the river. Masters should not allow crews ashore. During the port shutdown, gangways should be kept raised. Yours faithfully A BILBROUGH & CO LTD (MANAGERS) 5:260