Important - Cyber-Security Data Incident

06.08.2026 - 13:00pm CET

This communication is to inform you about a cyber-security incident involving Beacon, the UK-based contact relationship management (CRM) provider for GBA Ships e.V., the charity that owns and operates Doulos Hope and Logos Hope.

The incident may have involved some of the personal information we hold about you. We take the security of your information seriously and want to explain what we currently know, what is being done and how you can protect yourself. 

What happened 

Beacon has informed us that compromised credentials were used to gain unauthorised access to its systems. Copies of databases held by Beacon were made and, based on the evidence currently available, were likely downloaded. 

As a result, personal information held by GBA Ships within Beacon may have been accessed. We can confirm that no sensitive information including credit card, bank account information or any other financial details have been stored in Beacon by GBA Ships.

Beacon’s investigation is continuing and we will update you if we learn anything significant that changes this assessment. 

What is being done 

We are very concerned about what has happened, and GBA Ships is doing the following: 

• Working closely with Beacon to establish exactly what happened and what information may have been affected. 
• Assessing the potential risks to the people whose information we hold alongside our external data protection advisors.
• Taking appropriate steps to further protect our systems and information.
• Engaged with our external Data Protection Officer to identify necessary steps and assist in reporting.
• Has informed the governing body for data protection and freedom of information in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, where GBA Ships e.V. is registered, within 72 hours of being notified of the breach.

Beacon has told us that it has taken immediate measures to secure its systems and prevent further unauthorised access. It is conducting a forensic investigation with external cyber-security specialists. 

What you can do 

Please remain alert to suspicious emails, telephone calls, text messages or social-media approaches that appear to come from GBA Ships or refer to your relationship with us. 

In particular: 

• Be cautious about unexpected requests for money, passwords, banking information or security codes. 
• Do not open unexpected attachments or follow suspicious links. 
• Check any unusual requests you may receive by contacting us through contact information on our official website (www.gbaships.org) - not by using contact details supplied in a suspicious message. Our primary email for enquiries is: privacy@gbaships.org.
• Please tell us promptly if you receive a suspicious communication that appears to relate to GBA Ships, Doulos Hope or Logos Hope. 

We are not currently aware of any misuse of the information. These precautions are recommended because criminals sometimes use personal contact information to make fraudulent messages appear convincing. 

Further information 

We recognise the concern this incident may cause. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us: 

• Email: privacy@gbaships.org 

Thank you for your trust and understanding while we investigate this incident.