A Laskaridis reefer has been hijacked off Benin and three crew taken hostage.

The Greek owner's management arm Baltmed Reefer Services confirmed that the 335,938-cbf Saronic Breeze (built 1991) was seized by Nigerian pirates at Cotonou anchorage, Benin.

“Three crew members have been kidnapped and taken ashore to Nigeria on 30 November,” it added.

“As far as we are aware at this time, none of the hostages were hurt when they were taken.”

It said: “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safe and quick return of the crew members. This is our top priority and our one and only aim.”

The ship has now been released and has sailed from Nigeria.

The remaining crew will receive any medical assistance needed as soon as it reaches its unnamed destination port.

Baltmed added: “At this stage our primary concern is the welfare of the crew. We wish to resolve this situation as smoothly and swiftly as possible and are also in contact with all relevant authorities.”

Russians and Ukrainians on board

The ship had 18 Russian and two Ukrainian crew on board, according to Russia foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who was cited by the RIA Novosti news agency.

She said the ship had been anchored in the territorial waters of Benin.

Benin had not confirmed the armed seizure of the ship earlier on Wednesday.

Security company MS Risk said that on 27 November, reports emerged of suspicious movements involving the vessel in Cotonou’s outer roads.

“The vessel had been travelling south. However it changed direction to head back into port and now has been drifting.

“The owner of the vessel received the SSAS [ship security alert system] and tried to contact the vessel; however no response was received.

“Maritime officials strongly believe that the vessel is under piracy attack and that pirates have taken control of it. Port control has been informed about the incident.”

Russia’s Benin embassy said: "At the moment the embassy is not able to give comment and comment on the situation. We are in the process of clarifying the circumstances of the incident ."

The last AIS update from the vessel was on 26 November, showing it anchored off Cotonou.