Greek tanker attacked by pirates

Greece’s Shipping Ministry reported on Thursday that the Greek-flagged tanker 'Minerva Virgo' was attacked by pirates while sailing near the city of Cotonou, on the south coast of Benin in West Africa.

According to the ministry statement, the 'Minerva Virgo', a chemicals carrier, has a crew of 22, 6 of whom are Greek nationals and reportedly safe and in good health.

Unconfirmed reports said the captain ordered the entire crew to go to the so-called panic room when armed men attacked the ship. All of the crew locked themselves in except for one Filipino worker, who was abducted by the pirates.