Security sources are reporting the abduction of two seafarers from a Dutch reefer off Nigeria.
Seatrade's 400,884-cbf Water Phoenix (built 2002) was attacked 33 nautical miles (61 km) south west of Lagos on Tuesday morning.
Security consultancy Ambrey told TradeWinds two Russians had been kidnapped, the master and a mate.
The rest of the crew of 18 has retreated into the vessel's citadel. There were seven Filipinos and 11 Russians on board.
The Liberia-flagged reefer was underway at 14 knots from Ijmuiden, Netherlands, destined for Lagos.
The vessel had a low freeboard, estimated by Ambrey at 2.3 metres.
The ship was boarded despite evasive manoeuvres and an increase of speed to 14.9 knots. Within five minutes it was adrift.
This is the second time the vessel has faced an attack in the region. The first was deterred by armed guards, but Ambrey said it appeared unlikely any armed personnel were on board this time.
Contact re-established
Dutch manager Seatrade confirmed in a statement that the reefer had come under attack.
The company has established with the crew of the vessel to learn the full the details of the incident.
"Immediately after the attack all relevant authorities have been notified. The safety and well-being of the seafarers on board is a prime concern to the company," Seatrade added.
The Dutch manager has been contacted for further information.
Security company Dryad Global said the number of pirates involved was not known.
"It is unclear whether the perpetrators are still onboard or in the the area and it is advised that all vessels in the area maintain heightened awareness," the firm added.
Piracy reporting bodies had warned last week of a renewed threat of an attack by a pirate group based in Nigeria's Rivers State.
At the end of August, 13 seafarers kidnapped in July off a tanker in the Gulf of Guinea were released, shipmanagement sources told TradeWinds.
The seven Russians and six Ukrainians on board the 11,300-dwt Curacao Trader (built 2007) were freed safe and sound.
They were awaiting repatriation, which had been made difficult by travel restrictions related to Covid-19.
