Pirates kidnap Moroccan crew in Rivers
Suspected pirates have kidnapped five crew members, including three Moroccans, from a general cargo vessel identified as the Panama-flagged Oya 1 around 15 nautical miles south west of Bonny Island, Rivers state.
The kidnapping, according to World Maritime News, quoting Moroccan media, occurred on 31 July.
The attack was confirmed by IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC).
“The incident was reported to the Nigerian navy who responded and located the ship. It was reported that some crew members were missing,” the IMB said.
“As informed, the Nigerian navy vessel towed the ship to a safe port for investigation.”
The 1986-built vessel of 1,276 dwt and formerly known as Celia, is managed by Ocean Express of Congo.
The company is yet to comment on the attack.
Pirates in Niger Delta continue to dominate when it comes to reports of kidnappings, and vessels being fired upon.
In February, seven Russian and one Ukrainian expatriate were abducted on Nigeria’s territorial waters.
In recent time, 31 crew in five reported incidents have been taken by pirates.
The numbers include 14 crew members taken from two separate vessels in the second quarter of the year.
Photo credit: Marine traffic.com
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