The Russian and Filipino governments have reached out to determine the condition of the 17 seafarers kidnapped off two ships in Cameroonian waters last week.

According to local media reports, officials from both countries are in contact with authorities in Cameroon.

The Manila Times reports that the Philippines departments of labor and employment and foreign affairs were coordinating with both authorities and the seafarers' families, while Russian state news agency TASS said contact with Cameroon had been made.