The Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have started search and rescue operations for the Captain and four crew members of a Polish cargo vessel abducted off Nigeria’s coast.
The search for the abducted began after the vessel, MV SZAFIR, operating under the Cyprus flag was reportedly attacked on Friday, November 27, approximately seven nautical miles east of Brass at about 01:49 hours local time.
Eleven of the crew members were left on the vessel after the abduction.
Registered with IMO No.9004504, the vessel, which is owned by Voltaire Shipping Company and operated by Euroafrica Services Nigeria Limited, had a total of 16 crew members and was enroute Onne Port from Antwerp before it was attacked.
The vessel has been rescued by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and sailed to Onne Port under the Nigerian Navy escort for protection and further investigation.
The Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr Haruna Baba Jauro, has called for a full scale investigation and release of the Captain and four crew members of a Polish cargo vessel abducted off Nigeria’s coast.
The Navy and other security Agencies stated they have commenced a spirited search for the abducted crew with a view to freeing them and bringing the perpetrators of the abduction to book.