UPDATE: Another Oil Tanker Hijacked Off Nigeria, 23 Crew Onboard

Update:

A representative from Pioneer Ship Management Services LLC states that the oil tanker seized by pirates off of Nigeria's coast has been reclaimed by Nigeria's navy, according to the Associated Press.

A Nigerian navy vessel pulled along the MT Abu Dhabi Star and took control of the vessel. No pirates were found on board.

The ship's 23 Indian sailors were unharmed and heading for safety.

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A Singapore-owned oil tanker has been hijacked by pirates off Nigeria’s coast. Two Nigerian Navy vessels and a helicopter are attempting to rescue the Abu Dhabi Star.

23 crew members were aboard the ship when it was captured on Tuesday night, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). A representative from the IMB stated that the crew members had locked themselves in a safe room, but there are still growing concerns regarding their safety, as well as the recent outbreak of West African pirate attacks.

Initial reports claimed that the tanker was commandeered in a Lagos port, but Nigeria’s navy insists that the incident occurred at sea and the vessel was recently about 15 miles off the country’s coast.

Attacks in this area generally lean towards the armed gangs stealing the cargo before releasing the crew, instead of demanding a pricy ransom. The IMB warns that those behind the attack may be the same criminal organization that seized two tankers off Togo last month, siphoned off the oil and later released the crew and ships.

The MT Abu Dhabi Star is operated by Pioneer Ship Management Services LLC. 

Photo (thumb) Credit: vesseltracker.com