Pirates seize Greek oil tanker off Togo Published duration 28 August 2012

Pirates have seized a Greek-owned oil tanker and its 24 crew off the coast of Togo, a maritime group reports.

The attackers exchanged fire with a Togolese patrol boat but escaped on the tanker, the International Maritime Bureau says.

Piracy is said to be increasing in West Africa, with six ships seized in 2012.

Ships are usually held for several days and the cargo transferred to a waiting tanker, before the crew of the original ship is freed.