Captain and Chief Engineer of Bulk Carrier Shot by Pirates off Nigeria

According to a report from the International Maritime Bureau this morning, a bulk carrier was fired upon by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea this morning, approximately 110nm south of Lagos, Nigeria.

“Armed pirates chased and fired upon a drifting bulk carrier. Vessel raised alarm and headed towards Lagos. All crew except the bridge team took shelter in the citadel. Due to the continuous firing the Captain and the Chief Engineer were shot. The IMB Piracy Reporting Center immediately informed the Nigerian Authorities who sent out a rescue team.”

The medical status of the Captain and Chief Engineer is currently unknown, although unofficial reports indicate both were been killed.

UPDATED from IMB Report:

IMB: 13.02.2012: 0250 UTC: Posn: 04:43N – 003:44E, Around 110nm south of Lagos, Nigeria.
Armed pirates chased and fired upon a drifting bulk carrier. Vessel raised alarm and headed towards Lagos. All crew except the bridge team took shelter in the citadel. Due to the continuous firing the Captain and the C/E were shot. The IMB Piracy Reporting Center immediately informed the Nigerian authorities who sent out a rescue team. Due to rough seas the Nigerian naval team could not reach the location. A French Warship in the area which received the warning broadcast went to the aid of the distress vessel and despatched a helicopter. A boarding team boarded the vessel and escorted the vessel to Lagos port. The vessel is presently at Inner anchorage Lagos port. The authorities boarded the vessel and a medical team gave medical assistance to the crew. Later all crew members and the two bodies were taken ashore.