A Filipino seafarer has died but three others have been released in West Africa following their abduction from a Greek tanker last month.

A statement by the owner of the 94,100-dwt Elka Aristotle (built 2003) said a Greek, a Filipino and a Georgian were in good health, according to Greek media on Friday.

But the fourth man taken from the ship had died, the company added, saying it appeared this was down to illness and not the actions of the gunmen.

The ship, listed in the fleet of European Navigation, was boarded on 4 November off Togo.

The father of the 20-year-old Greek seafarer said he had not been asked for a ransom, according to Newsit.gr.

"We had not spoken to him for so long," he added. “The kidnappers never asked me for money, we never talked all that time, they just released him. I'll finally see my son after so long. I just hope that he is in good health."

Medical checks

The three survivors are undergoing medical examinations and giving a report to local authorities.

They will then return home.

Last week, all nine seafarers from a JJ Ugland bulker were freed after being kidnapped at the start of November.

A photo provided by the Norwegian owner showed the Filipino crew from the 58,105-dwt Bonita (built 2010) looking happy and healthy en route to Manila.

The latest release reduces the number of kidnapped seafarers in the region to 19, all taken earlier this month from Navios Maritime Acquisition's 297,000-dwt VLCC Nave Constellation (built 2010), which was located 143 km off Bonny, Nigeria.