UK owner Union Maritime has confirmed one of its tankers has been hijacked by pirates.
The company had said on Monday the 12,000-dwt Barrett (built 2005) was missing off Benin, West Africa, having not been heard of since 9 January.
In a second statement on Wednesday, it added the vessel had been the subject of a piracy attack on 10 January.
It was at anchor off Benin at the time.
"The company continues to work with all relevant parties to ensure the situation is resolved successfully and as quickly as possible," the owner said.
"Our primary concern remains the 22 crew on board and ensuring their safety."
It added: "Union Maritime regularly operates from ports in this region and has a rigorous safety and security protocol. Crews are repeatedly drilled in all safety and emergency procedures."
