Members of a Swiss merchant vessel crew have been kidnapped by pirates in Nigerian waters.
The kidnappers captured the 12 crew members on Saturday, according to the ship’s operator.
In a statement the ship’s operator, Massoel Shipping, said the vessel, MV Glarus was carrying wheat.
The vessel according to the statement was travelling between Lagos and southern Niger Delta oil hub Port Harcourt.
The pirates boarded the vessel kidnapping 12 out of the 19 crew members, Reuters reports.
“The company is working with the authorities and specialists to secure the speedy and safe release of those being held,” Massoel Shipping said in the statement.
Nigerian officials say they are now investigating the incident. The Switzerland government said none of the crew members were from Switzerland though.
Kidnapping for ransom is common in parts of Nigeria. Several foreigners and locals have fallen victim over the years especially in Niger Delta region.
Source: Africafeeds.com
