The bulk carrier Columbia River was attacked by pirates at the Lagos outer anchorage in Nigeria. The vessel was approached by skiff with several armed men, who succeeded to board and took control. The crew sent distress signal and locked in the citadel. The local authorities and navy dispatched patrol boats and forces, trying to return control over the vessel. Fire shots were exchanged with the pirates, but according to recent information, the situation is ongoing. The pirates are locked on board the ship and keep their position during the whole day. The crew is safe and alive, without reporting injuries and stay in contact with the local authorities and navy.

According to the preliminary information, the armed men were not a simple pirates, but well trained militants. The navy was not able to rush the vessel. The pirates were heavy equipped with enough arms to return to the fire. The authorities are following investigation for the root cause of the accident and belonging of the pirates.

The bulk carrier Columbia River (IMO: 9331907) has overall length of 190.00 m, moulded beam of 32.00 m and maximum draft of 10.50 m. The deadweight of the ship is 56,013 DWT and the gross tonnage is 31,259 GRT. the vessel was built in 2006 by Mitsui Tamano Engineering and Shipbuilding in Japan. The bulk carrier Columbia River is operating under the flag of Hong Kong and managed by Pacific Basin Shipping.