The Malta-flagged 281,000-dwt vessel Kalamos (built 2000) was awaiting loading off Bonny with 23 crew aboard when the incident occurred late on Tuesday, a ministry statement said.
TradeWinds understands up to a dozen pirates attempted to board the ship. According to the ministry statement, the ship’s first officer was killed and three crew were abducted, including two Greeks.
Several other crew are thought to have been hurt. The officer died en route to hospital.
Manager Aeolos Management said the attack happened at 2200 hours local time on 3 February.
"Two further officers and an able seaman were taken from the vessel by the gang and remain unaccounted for," it added.
"All families of those involved in this incident have been contacted and are being supported where appropriate. The owners and managers heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the officer who so tragically lost his life."
AIS data records the vessel’s last position on 2 February off the coast of Nigeria.
Platts news agency said the tanker’s charterer was Indian refiner BPCL.
Greek authorities said the tanker carried no cargo but other information suggests it could be part-laden with a 1m-barrel cargo from Akpo. It was bound for Qua Iboe to lift another 950,000 barrels of crude when the attack took place.
Nigeria’s security agency has retaken the vessel and were conducting an investigation on Wednesday.
