A small chemical carrier was attacked by pirates in the early hours of Saturday morning in Nigerian waters and five hostages were taken.

The Sampatiki, owned by Avin International, was hit 30 nautical miles from the Nigerian town of Bonga. Eight armed pirates spent four hours onboard and took hostages.

None of the other crew were injured although plenty of equipment was reported damage when the ship made its way back to port.

Last month an offshore support vessel belonging to France’s Bourbon was hit by pirates in the same region.

Sourced by Asia Shipping Media