A handysize bulk carrier owned by Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) was reportedly attacked by pirates on Monday amid a rise in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to maritime risk consultancy Dryad Global, the 22,600-dwt Vinalines Mighty (built 2007) was attacked 143 nautical miles northwest of Sao Tome.

The vessel was transiting between Douala, Cameroon and Liberia.

“It is believed that the vessel has been boarded by three pirates.