Pirates Kidnap Two Foreigners Off Nigerian Coast

An Ukrainian captain and a Greek engineer on an oil products tanker have been kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Nigeria, Greek coast guard officials said on Tuesday.
The 6,500 ton Marshall Islands-flaggged MT ALTHEA with 18 crew on board was attacked by a group of 10 pirates, the officials said.

The ship’s manager, Piraeus-based Medtankers Management, confirmed the attack.
“We are doing everything we can for their release,” an official at the firm said on condition of anonymity, adding that so far, no ransom demand had been received.
“They kidnapped the two men but did not touch the cargo (oil) or injure anyone.”
The ship was attacked late on Monday around 35 nautical miles off the oil-producing Niger Delta coastline, a Nigerian security source said, adding that the armed pirates fled with the two hostages in a speedboat.
The Nigerian navy is said to be investigating the incident.