Nigeria pirates seize 5 Indians

Dec 20, 2012 |

Well-armed pirates who stormed and ransacked an oil tanker off Nigeria have kidnapped five Indian crew members, said a statement on Wednesday from the ship’s operators.

Medallion Marine, that operates the SP Brussels tanker, said their vessel was boarded Monday by “heavily armed pirates” about 65 km off the coast of the oil-producing Niger Delta region.
“The pirates ransacked the vessel and took five crew members with them on their departure,” said spokesman Martin Baxendale, adding later those taken were Indian nationals.
A company website says the Medallion Group includes the Germany-based firm of Medallion Reederei GmbH, but the firm targeted in the attack, Medallion Marine, is based in Mumbai.
The statement said the remaining crew were safe and the tanker had reached Lagos port. “Everything possible is being done to ensure the safe return of crew members taken,” it added.
The company said it was working closely with the authorities, but Nigeria’s Navy could not immediately confirm whether any rescue operation had been launched.

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