DHAKA: Armed pirates have attacked an oil supply vessel off the Nigerian coast and kidnapped the captain and chief engineer, both United States citizens.

Security sources said on Thursday, reports The Straits Times.

The US-flagged, Edison Chouest-owned C-Retriever was attacked in the early hours of Wednesday, British-based security company AKE and two security sources said.

The company was not immediately available for comment.

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region, which includes Africa’s No. 1 oil producer Nigeria and is a significant source of cocoa and metals for world markets, is increasing costs for shipping companies operating there.

BDST: 1807 HRS, OCT 24, 2013
RoR/JCK