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Armed hijackers have seized a vessel belonging to the French oil services group Bourbon as it was heading to a Shell offshore oilfield on January 4, according to security sources.
The vessel was attacked by gunmen in speedboats near the Bonny Fairway buoy, a major shipping route for the Nigerian oil services industry. It is believed the vessel had been travelling to Shell's Bonga offshore field when it was seized. The crew of four are
currently still being held by the pirates.
Bourbon and Shell officials could not immediately be reached for comment, and so far no group has claimed responsibility.
Maritime piracy and kidnapping is commonplace in the region, a huge network of mangrove creeks which open into the Gulf of Guinea, and is home to the biggest oil and gas industry in Africa.
Militants who claim they are fighting for a fairer share of profits from the region's natural resources have attacked oil and gas pipelines, installations and shipping in a sustained campaign since 2006, reducing Nigeria's oil output by around a fifth.
Criminal networks have also taken advantage of the insecurity in the region, carrying out hijackings and kidnappings for ransom. Hundreds of foreigners have been seized over recent years, although most are released unharmed after financial settlements.
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