Nigerian sources said the master, chief officer, chief engineer, second engineer and third engineer were seized, along with cash, from the 2,578–teu City of Xiamen (built 2008) on 26 April.

One is said to be Russian and the others Polish, with a woman possibly among the hostages.

The ship is now safely off Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

Owner Sunship confirmed the incident and said: “Noinjuries were reported among the remaining crew members who continued with thevessel to a safe port.