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Singapore-registered vessel released after hijacking

(AFP file photo of a Maersk container. A Singapore-registered vessel managed by Maersk Line was hijacked while on its way to Nigeria, and was later released)

Nigerian authorities have secured the release of a Singapore-registered container vessel that was hijacked off the Nigerian Coast. All crew members are reported to be safe.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Saturday (6 February, it received a report at approximately 2006 hrs on Friday (5 Feb) that the SAFMARINE KURAMO (24488 GT) had been hijacked.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was on its way from Pointe Noire, Congo to Port Onne, Nigeria with 25 crew. They comprised nationals from the Philippines, South Africa, India, United Kingdom, and Thailand. There were no Singaporeans on board.

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

The vessel is managed by Maersk Line A/S. It is currently anchored in the waters off the Bonny River delta, where the waterway leads to Port Onne.