Hong Kong-registered oil tanker attacked by pirates off Nigeria, 19 crew kidnapped
- The Nave Constellation seized by pirates while fully loaded after leaving offshore oil rig in perilous Gulf of Guinea
- Abducted crew include 18 Indians and one Turkish sailor, with seven others left on board to take ship to safe location
Nineteen sailors from a Hong Kong-registered oil tanker were kidnapped by pirates this week off the coast of Nigeria – an area in the Gulf of Guinea known to be dangerous for seafarers.
The Marine Department on Friday confirmed that the Hong Kong-flagged crude oil tanker – the Nave Constellation – was the victim of a pirate attack in the early hours of Wednesday, Hong Kong time.
“Out of the 26 crew on board, 18 Indians and one Turkish crew members were kidnapped and taken away by pirates,” a department spokeswoman said.
“No personal injuries or ship damage was reported and the seven crew members who remained on board were all Indian.”
All the appropriate authorities, have been alerted and are responding
She said the tanker’s management company was working with insurance and security agents to seek the safe release of the kidnapped crew.
“The Marine Department is now in close liaison with the company and relevant consulates to render all necessary assistance,” the spokeswoman said.