Dutch MPP owner ForestWave Navigation has reported that on Saturday morning its general cargo vessel FWN Rapide came under attack from pirates prior to entering the port of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. A number of the ship’s crew have been taken hostage.

ForestWave said it has had some contact with the remaining crew and is now trying to move the ship to a safe location.

“We are currently in close contact with the authorities and taking professional advice in order to secure the earliest release of those that are currently being held,” the company said in a release on Sunday.

The Dutch flagged ship was on its way from Takoradi, Ghana to Port Harourt when it was attacked in an area that has seen pirate attacks increase in recent months.