Pirates kidnap two from reefer ship off Nigeria

A reefer vessel operated by Netherlands-based Seatrade Groningen was attacked by an unknown number of pirates off Lagos, Nigeria, on the morning (local time) of Tuesday, September 8.

After he spotted a suspicious-looking skiff approaching his vessel, the captain of the Liberian-flagged Water Phoenix performed evasive manoeuvres in an attempt to prevent the perpetrators from boarding.

The pirates were nonetheless able to climb aboard the larger vessel and kidnap the captain and one other crewmember. The remaining 16 crew had managed to retreat into the citadel as the pirates took their two shipmates hostage and departed the area on their waiting skiff.

Seatrade said the vessel’s crew included seven Russian and 11 Filipino nationals but did not disclose the nationalities of the abducted sailors.

The company added that it is continuing to cooperate with both local and international authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped crew.

Meanwhile, Water Phoenix is currently berthed at Lagos after having arrived there at 13:30 on Wednesday, September 9.