Hijack of Singapore-registered vessel "safmarine kuramo" off Nigerian coast

A Singapore-registered container vessel, Safmarine Kuramo, was hijacked off the Nigerian Coast, but all crew members are reported to be safe.

In a statement today, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it received a report about the hijack at about 2006 hrs (Singapore time).

At the time of the incident, the vessel was proceeding from Pointe Noire, Congo to Port Onne, Nigeria, it said.

MPA said the vessel had a crew of 25, comprising nationals from the Philippines, South Africa, India, United Kingdom, and Thailand.

"There were no Singaporeans on board the vessel," it said.

At 0120 hrs (Singapore time), MPA said it was reported that the Nigerian authorities have secured the release of all the crew and the vessel.

All crew members are reported to be safe, it said.

The Safmarine Kuramo is managed by Maersk Line A/S.