A ForestWave crewman believed kidnapped by Nigerian pirates has been found hiding on his general cargoship.

The Dutch operator said the discovery was made on the 10,600-dwt FWN Rapide (built 2005) late on Monday night during a search of the vessel.

The company had previously believed 12 seafarers were abducted from the ship in West Africa on Saturday, meaning the crewman had remained in hiding for the best part of three days.