The vessel was attacked by armed pirateson two speedboats while it was about 40 nautical miles off the southern Nigerian region of Bayelsa.
Italian authorities list three ofthe men, including the master, as being Italian. The other kidnapped crewmember is said to be Ukrainian.
The attack on the Asso Ventunofurther indicates that pirates operating in Nigerian waters are changing theirtactics. Whereas in the past they would hijack vessels and steal the cargo,recent attacks have seen them take crew members hostage and held for ransom.
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