[UPDATED] Tug Attacked off Nigeria

[UPDATE]

The three Ukrainian crewmembers that were kidnapped by pirates off Nigeria nearly one week ago have been released, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. However, nothing has been mentioned about the other three mariners that were taken hostage.

The attack was beaten off, but the pirates managed to escape, kidnapping the sailors. Their whereabouts are still unclear.

The International Maritime Bureau earlier confirmed reports of the attack on the ship. The Nigerian Navy has so far made no comment on the issue.

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An offshore tug was attacked by pirates off Brass, Nigeria. Updated reports note that 6 crewmen have been kidnapped.

The Malaysia-flagged Armada Tuah 101 was boarded by pirates where they kidnapped all foreign crew from the mixed foreign/Nigerian crew. A Russian citizen, three (3) Ukrainians and two (2) Indians were taken.

The remaining crew were able to take the vessel to Onne where it safely berthed.

Offshore supply tug Armada Tuah 101 is managed by Armada Century Ltd. and owned by Armada Company.

As the piracy focus has shifted to the Gulf of Guinea in recent months, the theft of oil cargo and the increasing instance of crew kidnapping, demonstrates the difficulty in maritime security in the region and the dangers faced by seafarers, however, the threat of violence has been well documented in recent years, according to OCEANUSLive.org

Photo Credit: http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1444329