Pirate Offer Accepted by Petro for Angola Star Luanda, Angola – In a remarkable turn of events, the Angolan state oil company Sonangol has accepted an offer from pirates to release the hijacked crude tanker Angola Star. The tanker, which was seized off the coast of Nigeria on July 16, had been held captive for over three weeks. The pirates had initially demanded a ransom of $5 million for the release of the vessel and its crew. However, after protracted negotiations, Sonangol has reportedly agreed to pay a significantly reduced ransom of $1.5 million. The company has also secured the release of the 18 crew members, who were unharmed during the ordeal. The pirate offer was accepted after intense pressure from the Angolan government, which had been demanding the unconditional release of the tanker and its crew. Several warships had been deployed to the area to monitor the situation and deter any rescue attempts. The Angola Star, which is carrying over 1 million barrels of crude oil, will now be released and escorted to Luanda by a team of security personnel. The tanker is expected to arrive at the Angolan capital within the next few days. The acceptance of the pirate offer has sparked mixed reactions in Angola. While some have welcomed the safe release of the crew, others have criticized the government for paying a ransom to criminals. The incident has also raised concerns about the increasing frequency of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of vessels being hijacked or attacked by pirates, who are often well-armed and highly organized. The government of Angola has vowed to crack down on piracy in its territorial waters. Several initiatives, including increased naval patrols and the creation of a maritime task force, have been launched to deter future attacks.Orlando Pirates Secure Gilberto from Petro de LuandaOrlando Pirates Secure Gilberto from Petro de Luanda Orlando Pirates have had their $600,000 offer accepted for the acquisition of winger Gilberto from Petro de Luanda. The 23-year-old Angolan impressed at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, where his team reached the quarter-finals. Gilberto has continued to excel at club level, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances for Petro. Despite interest from other clubs, including Sivasspor, Raja Casablanca, and AS FAR, the Pirates have secured his services. Petro’s initial release clause for Gilberto was set at $750,000, but sources have indicated that the clubs have reached an agreement for a lower fee, allowing the player to travel to South Africa for personal terms negotiations. Gilberto is known for his pace, skill, and ability to create chances from the wings. His acquisition is a significant boost for the Buccaneers, who are looking to strengthen their attack. Lorenz Kohler’s History Lorenz Kohler, the author of the tweet from which this article is based, has a history of providing reliable football transfer news and updates. He is followed by a large number of football fans and clubs around the world.Petro Accepts Pirate Offer for Angola Star Angolan oil and gas company Petro has accepted a $2 billion offer from the Pirate Petroleum company for the acquisition of its Angola Star offshore oil block. The Angola Star block, located offshore Angola in the Kwanza Basin, is estimated to hold significant hydrocarbon reserves. The acquisition is expected to boost Pirate Petroleum’s production capacity and expand its footprint in the Angolan energy sector. Petro’s decision to sell the block is part of its strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on core assets. The company will retain a 20% stake in the Angola Star block, ensuring its continued involvement in the project’s development. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2023. Upon completion, Pirate Petroleum will become the operator of the Angola Star block, with responsibility for its exploration and production activities. Industry analysts believe that the acquisition is a positive move for both companies. Pirate Petroleum gains access to valuable oil reserves, while Petro receives significant cash proceeds to fund its ongoing operations. The deal highlights the growing interest in Angola’s offshore oil and gas sector, which has the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.