Pirates Kill Two Men Aboard Cargo Ship

Pirates attacked a cargo ship and killed its captain and chief engineer during the assault, which occurred approximately 126 miles off the coast of Lagos, Nigeria.

The bulk carrier has not yet been identified. According to GAC Protective Solutions, most of the crew escaped into a safe room as a gunfight broke out. Those on the bridge remained at their posts. The captain and chief engineer died from gunshot wounds that came from the pirates.

The International Maritime Bureau has reported two additional attacks in the area over the past few days. One resulted in the hijacking of a tanker.

GAC has issued a maritime alert for the Gulf of Guinea. Attacks up to, and possibly over 100 nautical miles from the West African coast line should be expected over the coming weeks.

"Operators in the vicinity of the attack are advised to excercise extreme caution, as any naval response is likely to be delayed due to the significant distance from the coast," GAC said.