The Malta-flagged 281,000-dwt vessel Kalamos (built 2000) was awaiting loading off Bonny with 23 crew aboard when the incident occurred late on Tuesday, a ministry statement said.

TradeWinds understands up to a dozen pirates attempted to board the ship. According to the ministry statement, the ship’s first officer was killed and three crew were abducted, including two Greeks.

Several other crew are thought to have been hurt.