The Nigerian Navy has said it rescued 18 crew members on board a Chinese vessel, MV HAILUFANG II, from pirates.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Commander of Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Ibrahim Shettima.
Shettima said the crew members, who were rescued on Thursday off the coadt of Cote d’Ivoire, include Chinese, Ghanaians and Ivorians.
He said, “I am here to make a brief on the rescue efforts of the Nigerian Navy in a recent pirate attack within the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
“On May 15, a Chinese vessel, MV HAILUFANG II, was attacked by pirates off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire.
“The pirates took control of the vessel and directed the vessel toward Nigerian waters.
“The vessel had 18 crew members, comprising Chinese, Ghanaians and Ivorians.”
Shettima said the Nigerian Navy was alerted of the attack, adding that it immediately dispatched the NNS NGURU to intercept the vessel.
“On interception of the vessel at about 140nm south of Lagos Fairway Buoy, the pirates refused to comply with the orders of the Navy Ship.
“Hence, the Nigerian Navy had to conduct an opposed boarding of the vessel.
“All ships crew were safely rescued, while the 10 pirates were arrested,” he said.
Shettima also said that the last five known or documented pirates’ attacks were outside Nigerian waters, which the Nigerian Navy responded in the interest of regional security,” he added.